Turning Red is a Disney and Pixar movie that follows the story of Mei Lee, who has the ability to transform into a giant red panda. The movie has garnered a fan base and many people have developed an interest in Abby’s friend who is named Mei Lee and seems to have Down’s Syndrome.
Fans are running with this theory, so we decided to check it out and see if there’s any truth(s) to it.
Abby is a Turning Red character who has caught the attention of fans all over the world. The main reason for this is because of speculations that she may have what is popularly known as “Down’s Syndrome”.
A tweeter user tweeted: “People saying Abby from Turning Red might have Down’s syndrome and I am honestly so here for that.”
According to very well health, “People with Down’s syndrome often are regarded as particularly happy, sociable, and outgoing. While in general, this may be true, it’s important to not stereotype them, even when it comes to labeling them with such positive characteristics.”
Actress Hyein Park who voiced Abby in Turning Red spoke to AllEars about her role. She described the character as someone who is energetic.
“Abby’s like this little ball of energy. And very loving. Very passionate. But comes up a little too explosive at some times. I would say she loves her friends so much, especially when they’re fluffy.”
According to WebMD, Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition that causes mild to serious physical and developmental problems.
“People with Down’s syndrome are born with an extra chromosome. With Down’s syndrome, this extra chromosome leads to a range of issues that affect you both mentally and physically.”
Apart from the Down’s Syndrome theory, fans were pleased to see children with diabetes referenced from time to time in the movie- particularly a young girl who is seen to have a diabetes patch on her arm.
A Twitter user who noticed this in the film tweeted, ‘’This was so cute. My sister was watching this movie with me and she pointed it out and said “hey I have one of those!!” (She’s diabetic with Down’s Syndrome)”
I’d like to thank whoever did this. It’s such a little gesture , mostly unnoticed by the most, but it’s literally the first time ever I’ve seen someone with a diabetes patch, let alone in a cartoon. This is so important, thank you. #TurningRed pic.twitter.com/cUZ7MBSIe0
— alice (@daliceus) March 12, 2022
the new animated movie “Turning Red” is the first movie i’ve seen at least in a while that has diabetes representation which is so awesome! good step in the right direction for awareness
— st texture✞ (@Textvres) March 16, 2022
Other users also supported the representation, “I loved the representation in the new Pixar movie: Turning Red. It is one of my favorite Pixar movies, and it’s so funny, as well as emotional. I also really liked how they incorporated a sensor patch on a few of the female characters to showcase diabetes representation.”
However, despite the theories about Abby, Disney and Pixar have not come out to state whether this is true or not.
Rachael Obadiaru is a writer who specializes in content writing, copywriting, blogging, and fictional storytelling. She is a feminist and an advocate for the inclusion of marginalized groups. She spends her free time creating a nuisance on Twitter while snacking on pringles and snuggling with her cats.
