Anne Hathaway apologises for portrayal of limb difference in The Witches

The Witches star Anne Hathaway has promised to “do better” following the criticism the film has received for its portrayal of limb difference.

The actress acknowledged that many people “are in pain” over the way her Grand High Witch character is depicted.

“I owe you all an apology,” she wrote on Instagram.

In the new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1983 book, the witches are revealed to have three elongated fingers on each hand and toe-less feet.

Comedian Alex Brooker and others with hand and arm impairments have accused the film of being insensitive towards disabled people.

“To me It sends out a message that we should be scared of people with missing fingers,” Brooker told the BBC earlier this week.

But he added he does not blame Hathaway for this situation, and feels that more awareness and education is needed.

Hathaway said she “did not connect limb difference with the GHW [Grand High Witch] when the look of the character was brought” to her.

“If I had, I assure you this never would have happened,” continued the star, who won an Oscar for her role in Les Miserables.

“I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences,” she went on. “Now that I know better I promise I’ll do better.

“And I owe a special apology to everyone who loves you as fiercely as I love my own kids: I’m sorry I let your family down.”