A drunk animatronic bear who was a Disney World fixture for over 50 years has reportedly been cancelled over concerns he could offend alcoholics.
Liver Lips McGrowl did not make an appearance when the “Country Bear Jamboree” – one of the final attractions designed by Walt Disney before his death – returned on Wednesday following a seven-month refurbishment.
The attraction, which features 18 animatronic bears performing country-style Disney songs, first opened its doors in 1971 and has been a mainstay of the theme park for decades.
Disney decided to cancel the character because the phrase “liver lips” could be offensive to alcoholics, according to the Disney Inside the Magic blog.
“The decision to remove Liver Lips McGrowl was driven by concerns over the character’s name. The term “liver lips” is considered derogatory and offensive,” it reported.
“The term … is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the resulting liver damage. The phrase is deemed to be insensitive and outdated, prompting Disney’s decision to modify the character.”
Others have suggested that the corporation may have been squeamish about the term because “liver lips” has been used as a racial slur against African Americans.
The bear has been replaced by Romeo McGrowl, who looks identical to his predecessor – including his protruding lips – but sports a sky-blue jumpsuit and blonde quiff.
It is one of a number of changes that Disney has made to its attractions in recent years amid concerns over modern sensibilities.
Chris Beatty, an executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, had previously suggested that the cast of bears would not change when the attraction closed in January.
Staged in Grizzly Hall, the Country Bear Jamboree perform Disney songs in a variety of country genres, including bluegrass, pop-country, rockabilly and Americana.
In recent years, Disney has removed depictions of Africans wielding spears from its riverboat Jungle Cruise, which critics compared to racist caricatures from the 19th century.
On the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, pirates are no longer shown selling off captive women into marriage.
The Walt Disney Company has been approached for comment.