Additional Coverage:
A trigger warning for the musical “Wicked” has sparked outrage online. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) flagged the film for discrimination against green-skinned people and disabled characters.
Critics are decrying the warning as absurd, arguing that green skin is not a real skin color and that talking animals do not exist. Piers Morgan and others have denounced the “woke brigade” for their supposed oversensitivity.
However, “Wicked” has always addressed themes of racial discrimination. Elphaba’s green skin is a metaphor for societal prejudice. The BBFC’s warning is intended to alert parents and children who may be sensitive to these themes.
Despite the controversy, “Wicked” is on track to become the highest-grossing movie based on a musical ever. It has already made $242 million.