Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+, has begun attaching formal disclaimers to many of its products at the start of each movie or TV show declaring that the content may be “offensive,” as reported by the New York Post.
Among these products is “The Muppets Show,” which begins with a disclaimer that the show features “negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.” The disclaimer continues to say that “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.”
The disclaimers never specify exactly which content is deemed to be offensive, although it has been noted that the fifth season of The Muppets features a performance by legendary country music star Johnny Cash, who appears in front of a Confederate flag while performing.
The statement concludes with a claim that “Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe.”
Among the programs that are affected by this disclaimer, in addition to The Muppets, are the classic Disney films “Peter Pan,” “Dumbo,” and “Aristocats,” as well as the live-action film “Swiss Family Robinson.”