Sesame Place Apologizes After Black Mom Posts Video Of Character Ignoring Her Daughters

Popular theme park Sesame Place is apologizing for a now-viral video showing one of its characters ignoring two little Black girls.

The video, posted by Instagram user _jodiii_, has been viewed more than 300,000 times since it was posted on July 17.

Character Rosita is seen high-fiving white children and patrons during a parade.

Yet, by the time the character reaches Jodi’s children, the character ignores them while making the “no” gesture.

Sesame Place released a statement stating:

“Our brand, our park, and our employees stand for inclusivity and equality in all forms. That is what Sesame Place is all about, and we do not tolerate any behaviors in our parks that are contrary to that commitment.”

Sesame Place adds:

“The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated about the misunderstanding.”

“We spoke to the family, extended our apologies, and invited them back for a special meet-and-greet opportunity with our characters.”

Sesame Place is receiving a lot of backlash from the video, which has gained attention from celebrities, including Kelly Rowland.

“Had that been me, that whole parade would have been in flames,” said Rowland in her Instagram story. “Are you serious? You not going to speak to my child? And did you see that baby’s face at the end? The one with the pink on? She deserves an explanation.”

Other Instagram users agree.

“They need more than a special meet and greet!” one user commented under Sesame Place’s Instagram response. “The looks on those babies’ faces should make you wanna do more than that … made me sad for them.”

“Anyone with eyes can sew that the gesture was made at those babies!!” someone else commented. “You guys SUCK for this horrible response!! DO BETTER!!!!”

As for the girls’ mother, she says Sesame Place has not made any attempts to contact her family.

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