Film ‘may lead’ to children with cleft lips being bullied

An association for people with cleft lips and palates has expressed fears that a Disney film in which the villain has a cleft lip could lead to children with the birth defect being bullied or mocked.

Film ‘may lead’ to children with cleft lips being bullied

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland says the character in The Lone Ranger has a facial scar that is recognisable as resulting from cleft lip. It said Disney describes the villain as “a ruthless outlaw whose terribly scarred face is a perfect reflection of the bottomless pit that passes for his soul”.

Furthermore, it says Lego has brought out a range of toys to accompany the film and the character’s figurine has the cleft lip.

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