A short story from one of David Walliams’ books will be removed after criticisms that it depicts a “harmful stereotype”
The Mirror reports that ‘The World’s Worst Children’ will receive a new edition in March 2022, following criticisms over the story of Chinese boy, Brian Wong, Who Was Never Ever Wrong.
The new edition will feature a different story to replace the controversial piece.
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Podcaster Georgie Ma brought attention to the issues in Mr Walliams’ bestselling anthology, stating that it “normalised jokes on minorities from a young age.”
Following her complaints and a meeting with publisher HarperCollins, it has been confirmed the story will be taken out.
In a statement, HarperCollins said: "In consultation with our author and illustrator [Tony Ross] we can confirm that a new story will be written to replace 'Brian Wong' in future editions of The World's Worst Children,"
"The update will be scheduled at the next reprint as part of an ongoing commitment to regularly reviewing content."
Speaking to The Bookseller, Georgie said: “I have a toddler, I don't want her being absorbed in these stories where Chinese culture is misrepresented.
“The overall character plays on the model minority myth where Chinese people are nerdy, swotty and good at maths, we're not confrontational and we're high achievers.
“Even just the way Brian has been illustrated. He wears glasses, he looks like a nerd, he's got small eyes... they're all harmful stereotypes.”
This is not the first time Mr Walliams has been criticised for his representation of different groups.
Last year, Mr Walliams and his TV co-star Matt Lucas apologised after criticism over their use of blackface in some of their Little Britain sketches.
The programme was removed from online streaming services following the criticism.
The book ‘The World’s Worst Children’ was first published in May 2016.
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