The British comedian criticizes decision to alter some of the classic children's books, mockingly saying the words 'fat' and 'ugly' should be banned altogether to spare 'fragile' people.
- Feb 26, 2023
AceShowbiz - Ricky Gervais feels people have become too "easily offended." The 61-year-old comedian says that people have become too "fragile" after it was confirmed that Roald Dahl's books will have various words, including "fat" and "ugly," removed from them.
"This is me pondering whether they'll change any of the words I've used in my work after I'm dead, to spare those who are fragile and easily offended. Words like 'fat' and 'ugly'. And '****' and 'f***.' And 'fat, ugly, greedy, pathetic little stupid f****** ****'. Stuff like that (sic)," Ricky wrote on Twitter.
One of Ricky's followers subsequently pointed out that he didn't need to make any changes, as his work isn't aimed at children. The comedy star then replied, "Yeah I know. It was a joke." Ricky later added, "I've changed my mind. I think we should ban the words 'fat' and 'ugly.' No reason."
Meanwhile, the publishing company Puffin recently announced plans to release two versions of each Roald Dahl book - the original and the edited ones. Francesca Dow, the managing director of Penguin Random House Children's, said in a statement, "We've listened to the debate over the past week which has reaffirmed the extraordinary power of Roald Dahl's books and the very real questions around how stories from another era can be kept relevant for each new generation."
"As a children's publisher, our role is to share the magic of stories with children with the greatest thought and care. Roald Dahl's fantastic books are often the first stories young children will read independently, and taking care for the imaginations and fast-developing minds of young readers is both a privilege and a responsibility."
"We also recognise the importance of keeping Dahl's classic texts in print. By making both Puffin and Penguin versions available, we are offering readers the choice to decide how they experience Roald Dahl's magical, marvellous stories."
