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.

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.