A federal lawsuit filed by a Baltimore man on behalf of his family claims that Sesame Place in Middletown Township racially discriminated against his 5-year-old daughter, who is Black.
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In the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Philadelphia, it is claimed that when the plaintiff, Quinton Burns, brought his child to the park on June 18. They attempted to take part in a meet and greet with staff dressed as Elmo, Ernie, Telly Monster, and Abby Cadabby.
The characters are accused of “deliberately” disregarding the child, who is only referred to as K.B. in the lawsuit, and other Black visitors while performing for White people.
“SeaWorld’s performers readily engaged with numerous similarly situated white customers,” the lawsuit said.
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“She was ignored amongst a sea of other young white children who were able to interact, give hugs, high fives,” attorney Malcolm Ruff told reporters during a press conference Wednesday, according to CBS 3.
The filing claims the park violated the Civil Rights Act of 1866.
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6abc identified the girl as Kenndi Burns and obtained video from lawyers for the Burns family that shows the girl being snubbed.
The lawsuit asks for class-action status and seeks $25 million from Sesame Place owner SeaWorld Parks.
“We will review the lawsuit filed on behalf of Mr. Burns. We look forward to addressing that claim through the established legal process. We are committed to deliver an inclusive, equitable and entertaining experience for all our guests,” Sesame Place told the CBS 3 in a statement.
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The lawsuit comes more than a week after two girls were snubbed during a character parade. The families claim the girl’s were snubbed because of their race. In that case, no lawsuits have been filed, but there are attorneys representing the girls.
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