VICTORY FOR LEPROSY CAMPAIGNERS AS PIRATES SCENE SCRAPPED
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24 January 2012
Victory for Leprosy Campaigners as Pirates Scene Scrapped
A leading leprosy charity has hailed a decision to remove a scene making fun of people affected by the disease from an upcoming major film as a victory for decency.
In response to international pressure, Aardman Animations has announced its intention to change a scene in The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists 'out of respect and sensitivity'.
This followed an outcry from leading leprosy charities, including The Leprosy Mission England & Wales, who objected to a scene depicting a character on board a 'leper boat', showing his arm falling off for comic effect.
Due to be released in March and described by the press as Aardman's 'latest blockbuster', the film's lack of awareness of the derogatory nature of the word leper and the erroneous depiction of the disease causing limbs to fall off risked an undoing of the important progress made by The Leprosy Mission.
National Director Peter Walker added, "People affected by leprosy face the triple whammy of disease, disability and discrimination. This ill-conceived character was in danger of reinforcing all these to a young audience, thus perpetuating negative stereotypes."
In light of the insensitivity shown towards the millions of people worldwide who are affected by leprosy, The Leprosy Mission last week appealed to Aardman to remove the scene from the film and issue an apology. An online petition was also created, allowing members of the public to contact Aardman in order to register their disappointment.
It is yet to be revealed how the scene has been changed, only that it will now be acceptable to people affected by leprosy.
This Sunday, 29th January, marks World Leprosy Day. At a time when campaigners all over the world are working to bring the issues surrounding leprosy to public attention, and raise awareness of the fact that it is certainly not a disease of the past, the decision made by Aardman is a welcome step in the right direction.
For further information on this release contact:
Email: press@tlmew.org.uk
Tel: 01733 370505