New editions of best-selling author Roald Dahl’s books have edits made to remove offensive words. Dahl’s publisher, Puffin, has made thousands of changes to his original manuscripts. For example, Oompa Loompas in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” are now referred to as small people instead of “small men,” and Augustus Gloop is described as enormous instead of fat.”

The Roald Dahl Story Company who preserves Dahl’s writing claims that the edits were made to be inclusive and appropriate for readers of all ages.

Many free-expression groups have expressed their outrage. PEN America’s CEO commented on how rewriting books hurts free expression amid book ban battles. 

Renowned author of “The Satanic Verses” Salman Rushdie, who has experienced censorship and been physically assaulted by Islamic hate groups, spoke out against the censoring of Dahl’s books.  

Puffin has not commented whether they will revoke these changes due to public outcry.