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OCTOBER 23, 2003 at 2:37 PM
Posted by GRAE
Source: ic NorthWales via Wizard News
If you happened to visit Jeff Ditchfield's website recently, you may have seen an image of your favorite boy wizard lighting up the wacky tobbacy. But that was before Warner Bros entered the picture
.
Mr Ditchfield, who was arrested recently within hours of opening his Beggar's Belief cafe in Rhyl, thought it would be amusing to publish a doctored picture of Harry Potter - dubbed Harry Pothead - smoking a spliff on his website.
Warner Brothers were not amused and threatened legal action for using the picture without permission.
The film company was alerted about the picture by 66-year-old Bernard Hargreaves, of Maud Street, who is a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in West Rhyl. The pair have clashed previously over Mr Ditchfield's plans to open the cafe in the resort.
Mr Hargreaves said: "He is my arch-enemy. I don't like what he stands for or the way he pushes his views."
While checking the cafe's website, Mr Hargreaves was surprised to see a picture of Harry Potter. "Harry Potter is a very popular figure and I was concerned that children could easily come across the picture, especially as it was on the worldwide web," he said.
Mr Ditchfield did attempt a compromise with Warner Bros, but to no avail.
"Warner's solicitors threatened legal action. I told them that I had a picture of Bugs Bunny I could use instead but they weren't happy with that either."
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Animagus
Points: 19544
Sirius-Ella says:
Well! I'm appalled that someone would do that! I'm glad
WB did that!
-sirius-ella-
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 2:41 PM EST
Squib
Points: 155
Disarming Charm says:
How gross! That guy is just a sicko. Luckily he was caught and forced to take it down!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 3:01 PM EST
Points: 790
M. Sebastian says:
Hard to believe anyone is that stupid. Thanks Mr. Hargreaves for alerting WB. I think they should not even threaten, but take legal action.
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 3:04 PM EST
High Inquisitor
Points: 23483
KT Lady says:
Has anyone seen the movie Scary Movie 2? They have a book with "Harry Pothead" and in the pic Harrys getting a hit from a bong!..tsk tsk..some people!!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 3:04 PM EST
Lycanthropist for W.S.S.
Points: 3603
Alchemist 530 says:
Hmph- if you can't be creative, be a thief. Hmm, copyright infringement AND illegal drug use, all in one go! How nice of him! That's dumb, what a stupid guy. Good job for the "arch-enemy" guy, I like his style!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 4:25 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8934
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
I am truly glad that they stopped the individual. Althought I support free speech and the right to make fun of characters and stories (like the Walmart story). I draw the line where the speech diminishes the character or advocates a bad image for young people.
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 4:40 PM EST
High Inquisitor
Points: 23483
KT Lady says:
Has anyone noticed how slow the site is moving? Hmm..perhaps it is because they'res more than a thousand people on! crazy I tell you... But back to the subject...I wish I could see a picture of this and judge it myself, not that Im supporting this mans views or anything, I just wonder where I could find it?
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 6:47 PM EST
Witch
Points: 833
hplover731 says:
Yeah I agree with Rons_KTLady I know this site has been soooo slow...it took me like 5 minutes just to load this page! But anyways I can't believe someone would do something like that...I mean thats horrible! Who would want to do that to Harry Potter!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 6:59 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1303
wahnaroo22 says:
Good! I am really glad they stoped it. What kind of person would do that? Its a bit silly really.
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 7:09 PM EST
Witch
Points: 585
Joyce says:
I agree that it was in poor taste and am glad that they removed it. I just wish they had done the same thing with the cartoon posted a while back showing Harry Potter as a PIMP. I felt that both of these cartoons are examples of things that The One Who Must Be Named, says "diminishes the character or advocates a bad image for young people". Portraying Harry Potter as a drug addict or a pimp in sexual situations or language is disgusting.
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 7:24 PM EST
Witch
Points: 742
TigerEyez says:
Ewwwww, that's terrible! WHY would he even do that? WHYY???
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 7:29 PM EST
Witch
Points: 585
harryzbestgurl says:
CanuckTFfan
SHAME ON YOU FOR WANTING TO SEE THE PICTURE!!!!!!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 7:41 PM EST
Witch
Points: 585
harryzbestgurl says:
Joyce
I agree with you, and all of the other people who thoguht it was very wrong, and disgusting! It sets a very poor example for young people such as myself!!!!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 7:43 PM EST
Witch
Points: 721
Lupakitty says:
I must say, I want to see the picture. Too bad England dosen't have a free speech law. =^^=
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 7:43 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1068
Penumbra says:
I think its great that WB protested about this! That pothead sucks!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 8:11 PM EST
Crookshanks Caretaker
Points: 3836
hermionefan1 says:
Rons_KTLady-Good call, i do remember seeing the Harry Pothead book in Scary Movie 2. I meani love the movie, but that part really pissed me off!
I'm glad that the WB did something about it.
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 8:25 PM EST
Student
Points: 257
Hellodoggy says:
Thats terrible. Who would want to see that?
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 9:04 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1227
Prongs150 says:
Well said, James. I can't really add more to that. I guess all I can say is for the parents just to keep their eyes open. Instead of trying to control people making the merchandise, control what your children see. I mean no disrespect of course.
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 9:14 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1908
Opera Ghost says:
I remember one of my kids showing me a similar picture some time ago, I'm surprised the studio or JKR didn't take action long ago...or if they did, I never heard about it. The image may even have been on a t-shirt or something, don't remember the details, it was so long ago. Sick!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 10:27 PM EST
Snape's Woman
(Moderator)
Points: 5392
Prof. Andaxia Moonstar says:
I am all for freedom of speech, but I believe it is wrong for people to take figures loved and respected by children and use them to push bad habits like smoking and drinking. Fortunately, in this instance, it was stopped.
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 10:39 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2391
HPN4eveRon says:
The site is so crowded tonight. It wont let me post on some pages. And it is going so slow! Thats so cool how HPANA has gotten so popular.
That is just sickening that someone would do that. I mean Harry Potter fans of all ages search for HP websites. What if like a 10yr old found that site and was wondering why Harry was doing such a bad thing, i duno. I can justimagine a little kid looking at that sad. I would be! Harry Potter is some childrens idol. I can't believe that man would do such a thing! How horrible! He should be arrested. Good job WB. I support you guys and your decision all thew way!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 10:58 PM EST
Transfiguration Professor
Points: 2990
Choralee says:
I am so with Joyce - using HP in any way shape or form to imply the degredation of character and show illicit behaviors is completely inappropriate. The use of Harry in a drug using scenario is equally as bad as the cartoon portraying our favorite wizard as a pimp. Distasteful and wrong. Bravo to Mr. Hargreaves!
Posted Oct 23, 2003 at 11:18 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1018
Peitouche says:
I've seen "Harry Pothead" things on the web before. Pretty lame joke really. Lacks creativity.
Posted Oct 24, 2003 at 12:34 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1826
snapelupinfan says:
I think some people have a brain the size of a peanut.
As I really agree with James that you must have the freedom of expression anywhere I also think that you shouldn't forget the responsibility you also have. If I had children I wouldn't like them to watch pictures of Harry Pothead and so I wouldn't bring a picture of it into the net. I think it is not easy for parents to control every little thing their children do and I also think that they don't want to watch every little step! I'm glad that´there are people like Mr Hargreaves who acts and doesn't only watch if someone crosses a line!
Posted Oct 24, 2003 at 5:13 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2251
Snufflesmom says:
Wow! To quote Herminone from the first movie: "WHAT AN IDIOT!"
I know that some people use drugs under the guise of therapy, but unless you have prescription from a doctor, leave the stuff alone.
This man has smoked one too many joints!
Good for Warner Brothers for going after him big time
Posted Oct 24, 2003 at 8:17 AM EST
Witch
Points: 750
siriusgurl says:
That was one of my friends pics on msn, better tell them to change it...
Posted Oct 24, 2003 at 12:26 PM EST
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