A $25 million racial discrimination lawsuit was filed against Sesame Place after a defendant employee was seen in a video insulting black children.
According to a report by Local10.com, the Baltimore, Maryland family has filed a $25 million lawsuit by Sesame Place Philadelphia alleging racial discrimination.
The lawsuit alleges that her 5-year-old daughter, Quinton Burns, and “all other black guests who attended” were discriminated against while visiting the theme park on Father’s Day, June 18.
The firm is also filing a class action lawsuit alleging that the theme park exhibits a pattern of racial discrimination.
The lawsuit was filed after filming of a separate incident in which a Sesame Place employee wearing a Rosita costume avoided black kids after white kids gave them high fives.
We need to show our black youth that, unlike the artist at Sesame Place, we will not ignore them. These kids deserve more than just being wronged. That’s why we will continue to fight for responsibility and change! pic.twitter.com/e1dZcdcSqq
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) July 24, 2022
“We are shocked and appalled that these costumed actors have tarnished the big brand of Sesame Street, an institution as American as baseball and apple pie, and have fought for years for inclusivity and justice for all people.” said lawyer Malcolm Ruff. .
Sesame Place Philadelphia initially responded, “The costumes our artists wear sometimes make it hard to see at lower levels, and sometimes our artists miss out on guest hug requests,” adding that an employee dressed as Rosita “didn’t want to be ignored.” girls”.
“Our brand, park and employees are in favor of inclusiveness and equality in every way,” the statement said. “Sesame Place is all about it, and we will not tolerate this breach of promise in our parks.”
But after a wave of criticism for the viral video and the initial statement, Sesame Place Philadelphia reportedly issued a follow-up statement saying the incident was “erratic”.
“We sincerely apologize to the family for the experience we had,” the statement said. “We know this is not normal. We will train to better understand and get to know our employees and to provide our guests with an inclusive, fair and enjoyable experience.”
Additional footage posted on social media shows other workers in suits acting suspiciously around black children.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SESAME PLACE pic.twitter.com/1KBglx6BVb
– Woman. Payne (@MadeNChynna) 19 July 2022
So now we’re beating black boys in the air? And push black kids? Yes ready sesame place! #SesamYer #Sesame Street #racist pic.twitter.com/n5s3XgMw0b
– unity. (@harmonyyy19) 19 July 2022
No, sesame place can not refuse
the sun is clear pic.twitter.com/BCojflHuyM
– (@calii_living) 20 July 2022
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Source: Breitbart
