Sesame Place is under fire after a Black mother recently visited the park and posted a disturbing video on social media of the “Rosita” character ignoring her two daughters.
The mother, who uses the handle @__jodiii__ via Instagram wrote, “I’m going to keep posting this, because this had me hot.”
The post continued, “We were on our way out of sesame place and the kids wanted to stop to see the characters. THIS DISGUSTING person blatantly told our kids NO then proceeded to hug the little white girl next to us!”
When the mother complained about the incident, no accountability was taken by management.
She wrote, “Then when I went to complain about it, they looking at me like I’m crazy. I asked the lady who the character was and I wanted to see a supervisor and she told me SHE DIDNT KNOW!!”
“I will never step foot in @sesameplace ever again! And please feel free to repost this,” she added.
In closing, the mother said she wanted a refund after her inexcusable experience at the park.
“Actually, run me my money back ??so mad I stopped the video but it got me so mad when he blatantly told them no.
The video of Rosita giving racist energy at Sesame Place has gone viral and sparked outrage all over social media.
Sesame Place added insult to injury when they released the absolute worst statement in response to the backlash they received.
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.
We also are, and have always been, committed to making sure every family and every child has the best possible experience at our parks and we are incredibly disappointed when that does not happen.
Regarding the incident yesterday, the costumes our performers wear sometimes make it difficult to see lower levels and sometimes our performers miss hug request from guests.
The performing portraying the Rosita character has confirmed that the “no” hand gesture seen several times in the video was not directed to any specific person, rather it was a response to the multiple requests from someone in the crowd who asked Rosita to hold their child for a photo which is not permitted.
The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated about the misunderstanding.
We spoke with the family and extended our apologies and invited them back for a special meet-and-greet opportunity with our characters.
We apologize to these guests for not delivering the experience they expected and we commit to do our best to earn their all guests’ visit and support.
See their original post below.
IKYFL!?!
Now, the characters have costumes with limited visibility in a park full of small children?!
The mother returned to Instagram to share her reaction to the statement released by Sesame Place.
She wrote via her Instagram story, “I never asked for that character to take a picture and as I am watching my video I don’t believe that family asked either. I wholeheartedly feel as though that statement was released to save face.”
“Also a manager reached out to me earlier via phone convo. I responded via dm to confirm. Since the post went viral no communication was had since then,” she added.
“@sesameplace instead of trying to save face you should of gave a public apology to my girls! That statement disrespectful and distasteful. Talk about adding insult to injury.”
The mother added, “I will re-post this video every day until it is rectified. I really tried to handle this situation calm as possible but I am hurt, and that response made it worse!”
“The character could’ve just waved to everyone or kept walking, but to blatantly look at my kids and say no! I’m not excepting that. Don’t try to tell me he can’t see lower levels. He looked at them and said no!! So embarrassing and hurtful. I will repost this video everyday until the situation is handled.”
She closed with, “Signed: A hurt mom.”
See her posts below.
Now, if you think this was a fluke, I implore you to watch the video below posted by AJ Calloway, which seemingly shows Rosita doing the same thing to another little Black girl.
Here’s ANOTHER video of Rosita on her BS…
And ANOTHER one…
Sesame Place needs to have an immediate team and prayer meeting because they can’t explain this foolishness away!
Update: The family has secured legal representation.
What are your thoughts on Rosita’s behavior?
