Muppet Show branded racist with Disney+ ‘offensive content’ warning blocking show from young kids

A decision to block children from viewing the Muppets due to “negative stereotypes” has left viewers in an uproar.

Disney has slapped an “offensive content” warning on The Muppet Show – preventing it from being watched by young children.

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 recently made five series of the classic show available on its streaming service Disney+.

As the show begins, a disclaimer appears which reads: “This program 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.

Me: Can't wait to sit back, relax and enjoy some Muppets

Also me: Oh pic.twitter.com/hlxcoT8q2i

— Meryl Gottlieb (@merylgottlieb) February 20, 2021

‘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 programs which are not newly made. Is nothing safe?”

‘We want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.’

And other Twitter users were left dumbfounded after spotting the warning.

One wrote: “I remember when people had a sense of humour.”

And another said: “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”.

It comes after parents were left stunned when the streaming service blocked children under seven from watching Peter Pan, Dumbo and The Aristocats over concerns they show racist stereotypes.

Disney+ declared Peter Pan, released in 1953, portrayed offensive stereotypes that were inappropriate to those under seven.

The film giant implemented a revised content advisory in October over issues surrounding racial stereotypes.

The article originally appeared on The Sun and was republished with permission