Famous Bluey Cartoon Deletes Scene After Pressure Over Alleged ‘Fat-Shaming’

A supplied image obtained on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, of ABC TV children's program Bluey, which has won an International Emmy award. The Ludo Studio animated series about a family of blue heelers won in the Kids: Preschool category, beating other nominees from Germany, Chile and China.. (AAP Image/Supplied by Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Producers of the popular Australian cartoon Bluey have removed a scene from a recent episode amid pressure over alleged “fat-shaming.”

The show depicts the life of Bluey, an anthropomorphic six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her father, Bandit, mother, Chilli, and younger sister, Bingo. Each character represents a dog breed. The show, which aims at nursery-age children, focuses on family life and Bluey’s growing up in the Australian culture.

The episode, titled Exercise, aired on April 16, showed Bluey’s father weighing himself in the bathroom and complaining about his weight.

“Oh man ... I just need to do some exercises,” Bandit said, holding his sides while looking at the mirror.

“Tell me about it,” Bluey’s mother, Chilli said.

“Why don’t you just do some exercises,” asked Bluey.

Bandit answered, “Same old reason Bluey, you kids and work.”

Chilli also jumped on the scale and went, “Oh man.”

The next scene showed Bandit starting an exercise regimen to work off his extra weight. He then visited a GP who told him he was in “great shape” and asked if he had been going to a gym.

“Nah,” Bandit replied. “It’s been coming to me.”

Criticised For Imposing ‘Weight Stigma’

Despite lasting for only 30 seconds, the scene has drawn controversy, with some audience criticising the show for promoting a negative stereotype about body image or being “fatphobic.”

Paediatric dietitian Kyla Ringrose commended the show for being relatable for parents, but she said it is “equally progressive and aware of current social issues and this episode is really out of step.”

“Kids do not need to be watching parents hate on their bodies or exercise to get thinner.”

Another audience said, “I felt really uncomfortable having my young daughter watch it. We are already soaking in diet culture and weight stigma as it is, we don’t need Bluey to emulate these negative messages about body shape and weight.”

“I love Bluey so much, but this episode had such a disappointing beginning. We have worked so hard to undo all the self hate of our bodies that we learned from our parents’ generation, let’s not pass it on to the next one. We all deserve so much better,” one person said.

In the newly edited version, the editors cut out the first scene completely. The episode begins abruptly with Bandit doing exercises in the backyard.

Audience Defends Bluey

However, others have stood by the deleted scene, arguing it’s based on everyday situations.

Nine Network’s Today Show co-host Karl Stefanovic said the scene was “fantastic.”

“It’s a bit of Australiana, and it plays out in households across Australia. All these influencers are coming out going, ‘Bluey’s fat-shaming, and it’s disgusting’. Give it a rest. It’s actually a really good message,” he said.

Meanwhile, the audience wrote on Facebook that it wasn’t until Bandit grabbed his belly that she clicked.

“I can relate to the feelings and love the inspiration to bring play into a workout.”

“This isn’t really negative body image. It’s recognising that your body isn’t at your standard and doing something about it. Also Bandit as a character is very aware of his image. It’s made clear through all seasons that he notices when he’s out of shape.”

“It’s open to interpretation—which is the beauty of this awesome show.”

One person added: “The fact is... so sorry to hurt those sensitive ‘fatties’, and l am one myself, but being overweight is bad for your overall health! That’s just a fact! No fat shaming about it! Toughen up, you softies!”

Another person said the frustration with one’s weight was “totally relatable.” She said the bit with the doctor at the end meant it was about Bandit taking care of himself, not about him not liking the way he looked.”

The show also gave a “great lesson about incorporating your children into your personal regimes,” she added.

An ABC spokesperson said: “The recent episode of Bluey, Exercise, has been republished by the ABC following a decision by the makers of the program. The new version provides families with the opportunity to manage important conversations in their own way.”

“As the home of Bluey, the ABC supports the decision to re-edit the program, and we have updated the episode on our platforms. BBC Studios will use this revised version for global distribution and also support this decision.”

Previous Controversy

First aired in 2018, the show has garnered a worldwide audience and was broadcasted in over 60 territories for its constructive parenting message and its depiction of Bandit as a positive father figure.

Previously, the show was pressured to remove two episodes, Teasing and Flat Pack, following complaints that they include the term “yoga booga,” which mimics caveman speech. 

The complaints accused the use of the term as derogatory and having “racial connotations and a problematic history for Indigenous Australians.” 

The two episodes were pulled out temporarily to edit out the term.