Leprosy: Let's fight the prejudice

The truth is: Changing perceptions takes time, something which the trailer for Aardman and Sony Picture Entertainment’s latest film undoes in seconds.

Leprosy is not an easy disease to catch, it is curable, those affected should live within mainstream society and no – limbs don’t just fall off. Not even for comic effect. Find out the truth about leprosy by reading our Leprosy Myth Busters page.

It has caused great distress for those affected by leprosy and those working in the field to treat and prevent the condition have said, “It is with deep regret that Aardman and Sony Entertainment have decided to put comedy ahead of common sense and made this joke in such poor taste. Whilst we understand that film makers tread a fine line with many forms of discrimination – it appears little thought has been given to this particularly sensitive issue."

Read The Independent article Wallace and Gromit creators in leprosy row.

Read The BBC article Aardman Trailer Causes Offence.

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What other people have to say:
It's all too easy to reinforce the ancient ideas about leprosy and the stigma attached to it and a real pity that the film-makers weren't aware of all the work that has gone in to correcting the misconceptions.
Victoria Hislop, author of ‘The Island’

This is a cruel portrait of the millions of persons affected by leprosy and negatively creates a lasting image on the minds of young viewers from throughout the world who will see this movie.
Jose Ramirez Jr, author of ‘My journey with leprosy’

We join LEPRA India in raising our protest to this film. It will spread a wrong message to the general public about leprosy.
Narsappa, President of the state forum of people affected by leprosy (SLAP), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India