The Muppet Show adds Disclaimer on Disney+

Disney+ has added a content disclaimer to The Muppet Show. On the series’ content details page, the platform issued an advisory note that the program “includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures.”

“These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now,” the disclaimer reads. “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.”

“Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe,” the disclaimer continues. “To learn more about how stories have impacted society visit: www.Disney.com/StoriesMatter.”

Disney’s Stories Matter initiative states that the streaming platform is “in the process of reviewing our library and adding advisories to content that includes negative depictions or mistreatment of people or cultures.” “Rather than removing this content, we see an opportunity to spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. We also want to acknowledge that some communities have been erased or forgotten altogether, and we’re committed to giving voice to their stories as well,” the initiative states.

Five seasons of The Muppet Show, created by legendary puppeteer and children’s entertainer Jim Henson, which aired from 1977 to 1981, became available to stream on Disney+ on Friday. Eighteen of the episodes have disclaimers, which include episodes hosted by guests such as Joel Gray, Steve Martin, Alan Arkin, James Coburn, and Johnny Cash. For example, in the Johnny Cash episode he performs in front of a Confederate flag, and in another episode a puppet appears in stereotypical Native American clothing.

Other titles receiving an advisory on Disney+ include Aristocats (for a racist depiction of a Chinese cat who speaks in an offensive accent), Dumbo (the crows have been perceived as playing on Black stereotypes with one named Jim), Peter Pan (offensive depictions of Native Americans), and Swiss Family Robinson (the pirate antagonists reinforce negative Asian stereotypes).

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