Disney+ began streaming episodes of The Muppet Show on Friday (February 19th), and several episodes of the classic show that ran from 1976 to 1981 are being shown with disclaimers before they begin that warn about offensive content. Eighteen episodes have the brief disclaimer for varying reasons, including negative depictions of Native Americans, Middle Easterners and people from other countries and one week's guest host Johnny Cash singing in front of a Confederate flag. The disclaimer reads, in part, "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 conversations to create a more inclusive future together." Disney added a similar disclaimer last year to some of its films, including Peter Pan, Aladdin,The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, Lady and the Tramp,Dumbo and Swiss Family Robinson. The disclaimer says:
“This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures,” the warning reads. “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 conversations to create a more inclusive future together.”
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