By ROB HYDE

Published: 22:31 GMT, 8 February 2025 | Updated: 22:42 GMT, 8 February 2025

It’s hard to imagine anyone taking offence at Peppa Pig, but a body image expert in Germany has declared war on the British children’s TV show – accusing it of fat-shaming.

For two decades, children have been tickled pink by the light-hearted antics of the animated pig family. 

But Dr Franziska Hunkemöller has vowed to never let her children watch it after Peppa’s father, Daddy Pig, was mocked for his belly.

She said her dislike was sparked by a treehouse scene in which Peppa and her family joke about Daddy Pig’s tummy being too big to fit through the door.

Dr Hunkemöller said it ‘normalised’ bullying.

She added: ‘Daddy Pig is constantly mocked for his weight, and no one steps in to protect him.’

Hasbro, the toy giant which owns the Peppa Pig franchise, declined to comment last night.

It’s not the first time the show has come under fire. 

Dr Franziska Hunkemöller has vowed to never let her children watch it after Peppa’s father, Daddy Pig, was mocked for his belly

She said her dislike was sparked by a treehouse scene in which Peppa and her family joke about Daddy Pig¿s tummy being too big to fit through the door

She said her dislike was sparked by a treehouse scene in which Peppa and her family joke about Daddy Pig’s tummy being too big to fit through the door

A child behavioural expert has previously told MailOnline Peppa Pig 'reinforces unhelpful stereotypes' about gender roles and 'isn't appropriate' for very young children

A child behavioural expert has previously told MailOnline Peppa Pig ‘reinforces unhelpful stereotypes’ about gender roles and ‘isn’t appropriate’ for very young children

A child behavioural expert has previously told MailOnline Peppa Pig ‘reinforces unhelpful stereotypes’ about gender roles and ‘isn’t appropriate’ for very young children after the cartoon caused controversy amongst American parents.

The beloved British programme has not gone down well across the pond after star Peppa was branded a ‘brat’ and said to have taught children ‘rudeness and impatience’.

A UK child behaviourist said the cartoon can be ‘problematic’ as it showcases language and attitudes that are unkind and impolite.

Sophie Boucher-Giles, who founded Gentle Start Family Consultancy, said she has never had Peppa Pig in her own home and ‘hopefully never will’.

She said the cartoon has a unique ability to draw children in, which can lead to issues at home: ‘There is something about Peppa that is quite addictive.

‘With the huge marketing around it, when you fall into that trap you basically become a Peppa Pig household and you can’t escape.

A UK child behaviourist said the cartoon can be ‘problematic’ as it showcases language and attitudes that are unkind and impolite

‘Children then want to see more which can be problematic because Peppa to me reinforces some unhelpful stereotypes and some of the language isn’t nice.’

She added that the introduction of issues such as Peppa and brother George’s frustration towards their parents is not something that should be promoted to the show’s target audience of young, pre-school children.

‘The developmental level isn’t quite appropriate. That [frustration with parents] is a struggle that lots of four and five year olds have.

‘But Peppa is really kind of aimed at the pre-chool age group. They are at a very impressionable age and why at a very impressionable age are we filling them up with very questionable messages about gender equality and behaviour?’

She also cited the lack of manners shown in the programme, saying she could ‘count on one hand’ the number of times Peppa says ‘please’ or ‘thank you’. 

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They’re the wurst! German body image expert declares war on PEPPA PIG – and bizarrely accuses iconic children’s TV show of ‘fat shaming’ Daddy Pig and slams other characters for not stepping up to ‘protect him’

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