DISNEY has slapped an “offensive content” warning on The Muppet Show – preventing it from being watched by young kids.
Anyone watching the adventures of Kermit the Frog and Missy Piggy on Disney+ will now see an alert about the show’s “stereotypes” and “mistreatment of people or cultures”.
The move was revealed when Disney made five series of the classic show available last Friday on its new streaming service Disney+, which costs £5.99 a month.
As the show begins, a disclaimer appears which reads: “This programme includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures.
“These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.
“Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.”
It also means the show can only be viewed from an adult account.
‘IS NOTHING SAFE?’
The warning is believed to relate to the show’s characters designed as stereotypes of Native Americans, Arabs and East Asians.
One episode in Season Five also features country singer Johnny Cash performing in front of a Confederate flag.
Speaking on Disney’s decision, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: “I would like to know which bunch of muppets thought this one up.
“It would appear if this continues kids won’t be able to watch any TV programmes which are not newly made. Is nothing safe?”
And other Twitter users were left dumbfounded after spotting the warning.
One wrote: “I remember when people had a sense of humour”.
And another fumed: “Quit taking everything out of context and so seriously.
“It’s the Muppets for God’s sake!”
On its website, Disney says it is “committed to creating stories with inspiration and aspiration themes that reflect the diversity of the human experience around the globe”.
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