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Anne Hathaway apologizes after 'The Witches' receives backlash from disabled community

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Warner Bros./HBO Max(LOS ANGELES) — Anne Hathaway has issued an apology after HBO Max’s remake of The Witches garnered backlash from people with limb differences.

In the reimagined film, which is based on Roald Dahl’s classic book and the original 1990 film, Hathaway, 37, portrays a witch but, unlike in the novel, the witches have three long fingers instead of claws, which upset members of the disabled community. 

Paralympic swimmer and Para-triathlete Claire Cashmore, who was born without a left hand, was first to go public with the criticism, claiming the movie’s portrayal could stigmatize people who had similar disabilities. 
“Your arm is so scary’ ‘Your arm makes me feel sick’ These are just a few comments I received growing up,” the athlete and activist said in part on her Instagram feed, which featured a photo Hathaway’s character sporting six long, clawed fingers.

In response, the Oscar winning actress made a public apology.

“I have recently learned that many people with limb differences, especially children, are in pain because of the portrayal of the Grand High Witch in The Witches,” she wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday, November 5. 

“Let me begin by saying I do my best to be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others not out of some scrambling PC fear, but because not hurting others seems like a basic level of decency we should all be striving for,” she continued. “As someone who really believes in inclusivity and really, really detests cruelty, I owe you all an apology for the pain caused. I am sorry. I did not connect limb difference with the GHW when the look of the character was brought to me; if I had, I assure you this never would have happened.”

Hathaway added, “I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences: now that I know better I promise I’ll do better. And I owe a special apology to everyone who loves you as fiercely as I love my own kids: I’m sorry I let your family down.”

The mother of two also encouraged others to educate themselves and check out the nonprofit Lucky Fin Project, which is dedicated to those in that community, “to get a more inclusive and necessary perspective on limb difference.”

The Witches, starring Hathaway, fellow Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, and narration by Chris Rock, premiered on HBO Max on October 22.

By Danielle Long
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Jeannie Mai shares post surgery update after 'Dancing With The Stars' exit

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ABC/Laretta Houston(LOS ANGELES) — It’s all thumbs-up for Jeannie Mai, who recently was forced to exit Dancing With The Stars for a medical emergency which required surgery.

On Thursday, the cohost of The Real shared an Instagram Story of herself in front of a hospital room mirror giving a thumbs-up and rocking a “Vote Jeannie” top. 

“4 DAYS POST SURGERY,” she wrote. “no chewing no speaking no bad tshirts.” 

On November, 2, Mai explained to Good Morning America that she was diagnosed with epiglottitis — a potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition that can cause swelling in the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe, blocking airflow to the lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic

The diagnosis led to her early exit on the current season of Dancing With The Stars, where she was paired with pro dancer Brandon Armstrong.

“My doctors discovered a health concern with my throat which requires immediate attention and surgery,” she revealed in an exclusive statement. “I am heartbroken that my DWTS journey has to end here.”

“I have pushed myself to new limits physically and mentally, and I am so proud of how far we’ve come,” she added.

By Danielle Long
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

'The Bachelorette' recap: Clare "blows up" 'The Bachelorette', and Tayshia makes her debut

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ABC/Craig Sjodin(LOS ANGELES) — After weeks of hype, Tuesday’s episode of The Bachelorette finally confirmed our suspicions; Clare found true love with Dale and opened the door for Tayshia Adams.

Thursday’s episode opened with the 16 remaining men, feeling confused and a bit angry about where they stand with Clare, pondering their next move.

Meanwhile, host Chris Harrison paid Clare a visit to warn her that “the path we’re on right now… we can’t continue.”  There, she makes the stunning revelation that she’s in love with Dale and that he’s the one with whom she’d like to spend the rest of her life.

That led Harrison to respond with the phrase that’s been teased for weeks, “Congratulations, you’ve blown up The Bachelorette.”

Harrison then informed the remaining men that both the cocktail party and rose ceremony had been cancelled.  Afterwards, he asked Dale to step outside and the other competitors become all the more confused when neither man returns.

Dale, as it turned out, had been invited on a one-on-one date by Clare, who professed her love for him.  After happily returning her feelings, the two share a slow dance while being serenaded by Chris and Brie, winners of The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart.

Later, Dale proposed to Clare and she excitedly accepted.

Their whirlwind romance sparked controversy though, amid rumors the two were secretly in contact with each other prior to the competition — which Clare and Dale vehemently deny.

Back at the villa, Harrison delivered the news to the others that Clare would be departing the show, but offered the men a “historic” proposition.  The competitors, should they choose, would be allowed to continue their journey with a brand new Bachelorette —  Tayshia Adams from The Bachelor season 23.

The guys were divided on whether to accept or not, but most seemed grateful to get a fresh start due to never really having the chance to forge a bond with Clare.  However, Blake, Zach J., Jason and Riley aren’t so sure that this is the route they want to take.

After some thought, they all eventually agree to try their luck with their new mystery woman, but, as next week’s coming attractions seemed to imply, Adams and the guys are all in for a bumpy ride.

“Tayshia,” warns Harrison as the episode wraps, “unfortunately everything’s about to change.”

Also next week, Clare and Dale “return to tell all,” and address the rumors that they lied to Bachelor Nation.

The Bachelorette returns next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

By George Costantino
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Protesters in Portland target a city commissioner's home, set fire to city hall

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Taphouse_Studios/iStockBy WILLIAM MANSELL, ABC News

(PORTLAND, Ore.) — Protests in Portland, Oregon once again turned violent Thursday night as protesters targeted a city commissioner’s home and then set fire to the Portland City Hall, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

A group of around 60 people gathered at a North Portland park Thursday night and then left the area around 8:45 p.m. local time, marching toward the home of Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan.

Once there, authorities said protesters broke a window, threw burning flares and paint-filled balloons at the home and broke potted plants. Police then moved to disperse the crowd.

“The Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue are actively investigating this alarming criminal activity that put an entire neighborhood at risk,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “This is the fourth night in the past week Commissioner Ryan has had agitators cause both vandalism and disruption to his home and neighborhood.”

After dispersing the crowd, one vehicle connected to the demonstration fled from police, authorities said. That individual, Bryan Ortega-Schwartz, 36, was later apprehended and charged with attempt to elude in a vehicle and reckless driving. Police also made an additional arrest after protesters were blocking city streets.

It was at 10 p.m. when the sheriff’s office said Portland Fire and Rescue got a call that city hall was on fire. It is believed a burning object was thrown or placed at the door, which caused the fire. On-site security was able to extinguish the blaze before it could spread, authorities said.

A fire investigator is working the case and police are still looking for the suspect who lit the building on fire.

In total, three people were arrested Thursday night in relation to the violent protests.

If anyone has information, photos or videos of any criminal activity related to these events, they are asked to contact the Portland Police Bureau at (503) 823-4357.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Scoreboard roundup — 11/5/20

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iStockBy ABC News

(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Thursday’s sports events:

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Green Bay 34, San Francisco 17

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.