UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined in the criticism of changes made to classic works by Roald Dahl which came to light over the weekend.
Titles like James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have been altered by modifying words that are now deemed offensive.
Publisher Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Books, said edits were made so the stories “can continue to be enjoyed by all today.” Sunak’s official spokesperson told local media, “When it comes to our rich and varied literary heritage, the prime minister agrees with the BFG that we shouldn’t gobblefunk around with words.
I think it’s important that works of literature and works of fiction are preserved and not airbrushed. We have always defended the right to free speech and expression.” Also speaking out against the changes is author Salman Rushdie. “Roald Dahl was no angel but this is absurd censorship,” he wrote on Twitter.
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