Disability rights organizations have condemned the popular Myanmar traditional theatre troupe Aung Zabu Zat Troupe for making jokes about people with disabilities during a recent performance.

The incident, which circulated widely on TikTok, sparked public criticism and prompted several disability groups to issue statements of objection.

The Shwe Minn Tha Foundation, a Myanmar-based organization supporting people with disabilities, strongly denounced the performance, saying the portrayal mocked disabilities and harmed the dignity and mental well-being of disabled individuals. The foundation said it would continue pursuing action over the matter.

Similarly, the Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities stated that using physical disabilities as a source of humor is degrading and unacceptable. The group noted that the controversy has led to heated debates between disabled individuals, their families, and fans of the troupe.

The federation urged artists to create comedy that does not harm others and called on the troupe to take responsibility and resolve the issue with empathy and accountability.