Netflix, Prime, BBC and Other Streamers Urged to Include Disclaimer on Horror Films Featuring Villains With Visible Differences

variety.com:

K.J. Yossman Charity Changing Faces has written to the chief content officers at a range of streamers and broadcasters such as Netflix U.K., Amazon Prime Video, BBC IPlayer and Apple TV urging them to include a disclaimer on their horror films featuring villains with visible differences this Halloween.

Penned by Changing Faces CEO Heather Blake, the letter says: “Every year, Halloween becomes a particularly stressful time for some of those with visible differences, where villainous film characters with scars, marks, burns or conditions are often recreated as costumes, as well as becoming terms of abuse in everyday life.” She adds that the charity is not asking for the streaming platforms to remove horror films featuring villains with visible differences but to include a note in the film’s description and add a disclaimer on screen that such characters “reinforce negative stereotypes.” “Sex Education” actor Beth Bradfield, who was born with a hemangioma which she had removed as a baby, leaving facial scarring, is supporting the campaign. “While I’ve been involved in best-practice and inclusive shows within the TV and film industry, I am an advocate for positive representation of those with visible differences, the industry is progressing, but there is still a long way to go,” Bradfield said.