Sesame Workshop Promises Bias Training for Staff After Viral Video Sparks Racism Accusations

A viral video critics say depicts an incident of racial bias at Sesame Place, Philadelphia, over the weekend has sparked a response with those held responsible to be reeducated and retrained to address implied racism in their “unacceptable” actions.

As Breitbart News reported, a video shared by a person named Jodi on social media shows her two daughters excitedly greeting characters as they parade through the popular theme park.

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The mother shared the footage of what happened next on her Instagram profile, saying the incident has made her “hot.”

#BabyPaige & her cute lil friends went to @SesamePlace this weekend to celebrate Paige’s 4th birthday & this is how #SesamePlace treated these beautiful Black children. I’m HOT. pic.twitter.com/wATjpRzUF1

— Leslie Mac (@LeslieMac) July 17, 2022

Sesame Place posted an initial response to its Instagram account on Sunday evening, explaining that the costumes sometimes inhibit performers’ sightlines, and that the employee portraying Rosita’s “no” gesture was a general response declining requests to hold children for photos, which is against park policy.

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Late Monday afternoon, Sesame Workshop – which was careful to note that Sesame Place is a licensed partner – weighed in. “What these children experienced is unacceptable,” read its statement on social media.

“We have been in contact with Sesame Place, our licensed park partner, and they have assured us that they will conduct bias training and a thorough review of the ways in which they engage with families and guests.”

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The initial incident attracted comment from multiple Hollywood figures. “Those gorgeous girls will never forget that feeling!” Kelly Rowland wrote in a reply on Sesame Place’s Instagram account, while Audra McDonald tweeted, “This is absolutely disgusting.”

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