A Maryland father accused SeaWorld of “pervasive and appalling” discrimination at its Sesame Street-themed park in Philadelphia in a federal lawsuit Wednesday, days after a viral video appeared to indicate an individual dressed because the character Rosita ignoring two Black women on the park.
The swimsuit, filed in Pennsylvania’s Eastern District Court, seeks class-action standing, alleging that when the plaintiff, Quinton Burns, took his little one to the park on June 18, they tried to take part in a “Meet and Greet” with folks dressed as Elmo, Ernie, Telly Monster and Abby Cadabby.
The swimsuit accuses the characters of “intentionally” refusing to have interaction with the kid — who’s recognized within the swimsuit solely as Ok.B. — and ignoring different Black company whereas performing for white folks.
“Racism is horrible when it’s perpetrated against adults, but it’s in a separate category altogether of horror when it’s perpetrated against kids,” William Murphy, a lawyer representing the household, instructed reporters Wednesday, according to NBC Philadelphia.
The swimsuit seeks $25 million in damages from SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, which owns Sesame Place Philadelphia. The plaintiffs additionally need the park to implement necessary cultural sensitivity coaching and courses on the historical past of discrimination.
The lawsuit says it’s unclear what number of different folks may be part of the swimsuit. Burns didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
SeaWorld didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark. In a press release, Sesame Place Philadelphia mentioned it was reviewing the swimsuit and would handle the declare via “the established legal process.”
“We are committed to deliver an inclusive, equitable and entertaining experience for all our guests,” the assertion mentioned.
In a separate incident recorded on video and posted to Instagram on July 16, an individual dressed as Rosita — Sesame Street’s first bilingual character — may be seen interacting with different company earlier than shaking the character’s head “no” within the course of two younger Black women.
“THIS DISGUSTING person blatantly told our kids NO then proceeded to hug the little white girl next to us!” their mom mentioned on Instagram.
The park mentioned the performer didn’t deliberately ignore the women and was “devastated about the misunderstanding.”
NBC News has not verified the allegations, and Sesame Place mentioned the character was shaking its head in response to a number of requests from somebody who requested Rosita to carry a baby for a photograph, which isn’t permitted.
In a second apology posted July 18, the park mentioned it was “committed to making this right” and that it will conduct worker coaching.
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit group that oversees the Sesame Street model, mentioned in a public statement that the corporate had been assured that Sesame Place, which it described as a licensed park companion, will conduct a “thorough review of the ways in which they engage with families and guests.”
“What these children experienced is unacceptable,” the assertion mentioned.
Zachary Schermele contributed.