Roald Dahl’s family apologizes for late children’s author’s anti-Semitic remarks

Roald Dahl's family apologizes for late children's author's anti-Semitic remarks

The family of the late Roald Dahl, author of children’s classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has apologized for his anti-Semitic remarks, saying they were incomprehensible to us.

The British author, who died in 1990 at the age of 74, is popular with young readers around the world, and many of his books, such as BFG, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and more recently The Witch films and stage shows. Are

However, controversy has sometimes erupted over anti-Semitic remarks, most notably those interviewed by Britain’s New States Stateman magazine in 1983. Were performed during.

“There is a characteristic in the Jewish character that incites hostility, perhaps it is a kind of lack of generosity towards non-Jews,” he said, adding that “even a stench like Hitler did not overwhelm them for no reason.” .

Matilda Rolled Dale, featured by Quentin Blake, is one of the most beloved children’s books.(ABC News: Aliza Buzakot-Spear)

In a statement on the official website of the organizations that manage his heritage, copyrights and trademarks and a museum dedicated to him, the Dahal family apologized for what they said was a “perpetual and understandable comment.” Was hurt.

“These biased remarks are incomprehensible to us and are in stark contrast to the man we knew and to the heartfelt values ​​of Roald Dahl’s stories, which have had a positive effect on young people for generations,” he said.

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“We hope that as he did in his worst case, Roald Dahl can help us remember the lasting effects of the words.”

A statement from Mary Van Der Zyl, president of the British Jewish Board of Deputies, said the apology was long overdue.

“This apology should have occurred much earlier – and it is a matter of concern that it has now become so quiet,” the statement said.

“Roald Dahl’s hateful anti-communist bias was no secret and has eroded his legacy.

“The apology should be stopped again on the question paper on September 13 on Roald Dahl Day.

“Recognizing his vague influence on children’s literature, Dahl’s book education should also be used as an opportunity for young people to learn about his intolerant ideas.”

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Director Steven Spielberg was asked about Dahl’s anti-Semitic remarks in 2016, when he was at the Cannes Film Festival, promoting his BFG.

Spielberg said he was unaware of his comments when he came up with the project, adding that the book was about adopting differences and that was the value he was trying to convey.

Other high-adaptations of Dahl’s compositions include versions of two big-budget films from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a brilliant Mr. Fox, and a stage musical version of Matilda that has been a hit on London and Broadway.

A new film version of Dahl’s The Witch, directed by Robert Zemax and starring Grand Hathaway as Anne Hathaway, was recently released on HBO Max by Studio Warner Bros.

ABC / Writers

About the author: Cory Weinberg

"Student. Subtly charming organizer. Certified music advocate. Writer. Lifelong troublemaker. Twitter lover."

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