Cant use chat/anvils/nametags

On the realm I am operating I suddenly cannot use the chat or name things in an anvil. Everything is being displayed as #'s. I see a bunch of people posting this. I don't know if it is because I said something offensive which I don't believe to be the case for me or if this is a bug. I would like to be told what I did if that is the case. I am on a private world with a few personal friends. Even if I said something mildly offensive I shouldn't receive a ban/mute. I am paying to keep this realm open. I should be able to say what I please on a private world with people I know without getting blocked when nobody reports or has any problems.