It is natural for an anime as big as One Piece to often be involved amidst controversy. With the anime finally beginning with the Egghead Arc, many watchers took to the internet to express their discontent with one particular scene.
What we are essentially talking about is how Jewelry Bonney was depicted in the recent One Piece episode. She was shown to be taking a bath in the recent episode, which came out on January 7th. This particular scene caused discomfort and controversy amongst fans as it was revealed her true age is just 12.
While it is true Bonney possesses Toshi Toshi no Mi, a devil fruit that allows her to manipulate her age, fans argued that mentally she remains a 12-year-old, with grievance coming from fans of the same age.
Why TOEI’s Depiction Of Jewelry Bonney Is Controversial
TOEI is the studio responsible for One Piece’s animation, and was naturally the one to take heat from the fans when the controversial episode was released. Fans on social media platforms were outraged and argued that the studio shouldn’t have depicted a minor in such a sense.
It is also worth noting how it is not only Bonney but the representation of women as a whole in the One Piece franchise. There have been far too many controversies in the past as well, which have revolved around the female characters and how they are depicted in the series.
Also Read:One Piece: How Did Zoro Beat Ryuma, Who is More Powerful Than Gol D Roger and Even Gear 5 Luffy
Many fans also speculate that Jewelry Bonney just might be the latest One Piece Straw Hat member in the coming future, expanding Luffy’s crew and placing him closer to his goal of becoming the pirate king.
Fans Reaction To Jewelry Bonney’s Bath Scene In Recent One Piece Episode
Fans who have been watching the series for some time now would realize that this is not the first time, and even the characters of Nami and Robin were the focus of similar controversies before. The character of Nami has specifically been called out in the past for how her design is made, and how her role is depicted.
Following the Jewelry Bonney controversy, One Piece watchers on Twitter said this about the recent episode:
For those who don't know, this is a gentle reminder: Bonney's true age is 12 years old. Keep this in mind before watching the episode tomorrow. 😎☕
— The Will of Marco (マルコの意志) (@TheWillOfMarco) January 13, 2024
Just to ensure the FBI won't be knocking down your front door tomorrow.#ONEPIECE#ONEPIECE1090 pic.twitter.com/oVsrjTRdHV
So Jewerly Bonney is only 12 years old? #ONEPIECE1098 pic.twitter.com/4d615q5Wb5
— Aquiles (@Aquil3s_baeza) November 8, 2023
Me after knowing what Jewelry Bonney's real age is pic.twitter.com/uUQHeL6UVH
— 𝑺𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒔𝒉🥀 (@Atweakerbyjp) October 19, 2023
Im gonna be real if you think simping for Jewelry Bonney is ok because her power lets her age her body thus "her brain also ages" than I think you need to be put on a watchlist. There are so many of age ladies in Egghead to get horny for and yall are actively picking the 12yo.
— James Beasley (@complete_phased) January 17, 2024
Also Read: “There were times when it was very hard”: Inaki Godoy on His Struggle Playing Luffy in Netflix’s One of the Most Expensive Shows
It remains a debate amongst the community whether TOEI should have placed Jewelry Bonney’s bath scene or not. Some say that the author of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, is to be put on equal blame as he primarily decides how a character is depicted in the series.
One Piece is available to watch on Crunchyroll.