Quote:Fans of classic Tom and Jerry cartoons have been warned that episodes of the iconic show may depict scenes of ‘ethnic and racial prejudice’.

Subscribers to Amazon Prime Instant Video are now met with a caution before viewing certain episodes of the long-running cartoon.

It follows concerns that the representation of a black maid on early episodes of the cartoon show – which made its first episodes in the 1940s – was an example of the era’s prejudices.

Tom and Jerry: The Complete Second Volume is accompanied by the caution: ‘Tom and Jerry shorts may depict some ethnic and racial prejudices that were once commonplace in American society. Such depictions were wrong then and are wrong today.’

One fan took to Twitter to say: ‘watched Tom and Jerry since the 60s this is the 1st time I’ve ever heard the R word in relation to it. PC madness!’

Another fan wrote: ‘I loved Tom and Jerry as a kid and it never made me think poorly of ethnic minorities or want to smoke cigars.’