Disney is warning on its streaming service that some episodes of The Muppet Show Contain offensive stereotypes and other offensive material. Five seasons of the absurdist puppet series were put online on Friday.
A warning appears for 18 of the 118 episodes. “This program contains negative views and improper treatment of peoples or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and still are.”
“Rather than removing this material, we want to recognize its damaging impact, learn from it, and start a discussion to create a more inclusive future together.”
Peter Sellers and Johnny Cash
These include episodes with actor Peter Sellers performing the song A gypsy violin voiced, singer Johnny Cash performing in front of a Confederate flag and comedian Spike Milligan appearing in the song It’s a Small World shows a whole series of international clichés.
Disney also finds episodes with comedian Steve Martin, actor James Coburn and singers Kenny Rogers and Debbie Harry problematic.
Child pornography
In fact, one episode didn’t get online at all, the one with Muppet writer Chris Langham. In season 5, he unexpectedly had to take the place of comedian Richard Pryor, who had injured himself in a fire.
Disney does not want to explain why the Langham episode is missing, but it is probably because of his conviction in 2007 to 10 months in prison for possession of child pornography. Previously, the episode was also missing on DVDs from the Muppets.
Disney already posted warnings on its streaming service for more classics last year, such as the movies Peter Pan and Dumbo. The first shows outdated representations of Indians, the other shows a group of crows that is clearly based on racist ideas about black Americans.