Strictly star JJ Chalmers slams The Witches remake over portrayal of disability
The former Royal Marine, who is currently starring in Strictly Come Dancing, has added to the debate after the film was accused of being insensitive towards disabled people
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JJ Chalmers called The Witches makers Warner Bros "careless" in the way they depict disabled people.
The former Royal Marine, who sustained severe injuries while on duty back in 2011, said the film was a “classic example of unconscious biases”.
JJ is currently starring in BBC hit show Strictly Come Dancing and has added to the pressure on the film's producers after severe backlash.
He has taken time out from dance training to get his view across after being asked by fans for his observations.
The new film has come under fire for portraying the main characters as having hand and feet impairments.
It sees some sport three elongated fingers on each hand and a single toe protruding from the foot.
Roald Dahl's 1983 book described them as having “claws instead of fingernails” and “square feet with no toes”.
British Para swimmer Amy Marren was among those criticising director Robert Zemeckis' version, saying its depiction of the witches' hands could be harmful to people - especially children - with limb impairments.
JJ has now taken to social media to talk about the remake which was released last month.
He tweeted: "Whilst this depiction was not meant to offend, it is a classic example of the type of unconscious biases and carelessness that occurs in a creative environment that is lacking the insight and benefits of true diversity and representation. #NotAWitch#LimbDifferent#Witches "
He posted a photo of himself alongside Anne Hathaway, who plays Grand High Witch.
Already Anne has apologised sorry after criticism about the depiction of her character's hands.
The Academy Award-winner has now joined studio Warner Bros in issuing an apology and said "now that I know better I promise I'll do better".
She wrote on Instagram : "Let me begin by saying I do my best to be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others not out of some scrambling PC fear, but because not hurting others seems like a basic level of decency we should all be striving for.
"As someone who really believes in inclusivity and really, really detests cruelty, I owe you all an apology for the pain caused. I am sorry.
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