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Cleft Lip Prosthetic Sparks Outrage in New Film
26 Nov
Summary
- Lily-Rose Depp's prosthetic cleft lip in 'Werwulf' filming sparks backlash.
- Charities Smile Train and CLAPA voice concerns over stereotyping.
- Community members express hurt over depiction of birth difference.
Photos of Lily-Rose Depp filming for the medieval horror film 'Werwulf' have triggered significant backlash from the cleft palate community and leading charities. Depp was observed on set in Surrey, England, sporting a prosthetic cleft lip as part of her character's 13th-century appearance.
Global nonprofit Smile Train and the UK charity Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA) have voiced their concerns. They fear the film's use of a cleft lip, particularly in a horror context with historical ties to terms like "wolf-lip," could reinforce harmful stereotypes and negatively influence public perception of individuals with clefts.
Both organizations are reaching out to the production team to understand the portrayal and offer guidance. The incident has resurfaced outdated attitudes, prompting a strong response from the cleft community, who emphasize that their differences should not be demonized or used as a prop, highlighting the need for greater understanding and respect for visible differences.
