Why Disney is getting rid of an ‘offensive’ Country Bear Jamboree character after 50 years
Disney removed one of the Country Bear Jamboree animatronic bears at Magic Kingdom over fears it might be offensive to alcoholics.
The offending bear, known as “Liver Lips McGrowl,” will not be returning as a character when the refurbished attraction reopens at Walt Disney World’s Frontierland.
According to Disney’s “Inside the Magic” blog, the term “liver lips” can be associated with alcohol abuse and liver damage.
McGrowl will instead be replaced by the bear “Romeo McGrowl” with a similar look but different hairstyle, according to the Disney Parks blog.
The removal of “Liver Lips” from the Country Bear Jamboree lineup comes as Disney is pushing its “commitment to addressing and rectifying outdated or culturally insensitive elements within its attractions,” according to Disney’s “Inside the Magic” blog.
This isn’t the first time Disney has removed a character for fear of offending its parkgoers.
Disney quietly got rid of Tinker Bell meet-and-greets at its parks in May due to how Tinker Bell is portrayed in the “Peter Pan” films.