Disney’s ‘Drunk’ Bear Canceled for ‘Derogatory and Offensive’ Name

A drunken animatronic bear that was a fixture at Disney World for more than 50 years has been canceled due to concerns it might offend alcoholics.

Liver Lips McGrowl did not appear in the “Country Bear Jamboree” – one of the final attractions designed by Walt Disney before his death – returned Wednesday after a seven-month renovation.

The attraction, which features 18 animatronic bears singing Disney country songs, first opened its doors in 1971 and has been a mainstay of 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 about the character’s name. The term “liver lips” is considered derogatory and offensive,” he reported.

“The term… is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the resulting liver damage. The phrase is considered insensitive and outdated, which led to Disney’s decision to change the character.”

Others suggested that the company may have been reticent 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The bear has been replaced by Romeo McGrowl, who looks identical to his predecessor – including the protruding lips – but sports a sky-blue jumpsuit and a blond pompadour.

It is one of the many changes that Disney made to its attractions in recent years amid concerns with modern sensibilities.

Chris Beatty, an executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, had previously suggested that the cast of bears would not change when the attraction closes in January.

Held at Grizzly Hall, the Country Bear Jamboree features Disney music in a variety of country genres, including bluegrass, pop-country, rockabilly and Americana.

In recent years, Disney removed depictions of spear-wielding Africans from its Jungle Cruise riverboat, which critics compared to 19th-century racist caricatures.

In the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, pirates are no longer shown selling captive women into marriage.

The Walt Disney Company has been approached for comment.