British Film Board's Controversial Trigger Warning for Wicked Sparks Online Outrage

British Film Board's Trigger Warning for 'Wicked' Causes Online Outrage

Source: TMZ

Overview of the Controversy

A recent trigger warning issued by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for the film 'Wicked' has sparked significant backlash online. The warning cites potential discrimination themes, specifically regarding a green-skinned character.

Details of the Trigger Warning

• The BBFC warned about scenes where a green-skinned woman experiences humiliation and bullying.
• It also touches on the treatment of a disabled character and discusses the persecution of talking animals.

Public Response and Reactions

The warning has drawn criticism, with many social media users expressing their anger using the hashtag "GoWokeGoBroke". Notable commentators like Piers Morgan have publicly condemned the warning as excessive.

• Critics argue the warning is unnecessary given the fictional nature of the characters.
• In the U.S., 'Wicked' is shown without any such warnings, raising questions about the severity of the UK approach.

Box Office Performance

Despite the controversy, 'Wicked' is performing exceptionally well at the box office, on track to gross $242 million, making it the highest-grossing film based on a musical to date.

Thematic Context

While the trigger warning has ignited debates, 'Wicked' has always dealt with themes of discrimination, with the character of Elphaba serving as a metaphor for societal perceptions of race and judgment.