A recent federal jury verdict in Philadelphia marked the end of a discrimination lawsuit against Sesame Place, the popular Bucks County theme park. The lawsuit alleged that Black children were intentionally ignored by Sesame Place mascots during their visits, but the jury ruled in favor of the theme park owner, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
The case gained national attention in July 2022 when a viral video showed two Black girls seemingly being snubbed by a mascot dressed as the Muppet character Rosita. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of another family, presented additional video evidence of alleged discrimination at the park in Langhorne.
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SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict, emphasizing that they treat all guests equally. The plaintiffs had sought $25 million in damages, claiming that character performers at the theme park showed favoritism toward white children over Black children during interactions.
Following the viral video incident, Sesame Place issued public apologies and implemented diversity training for staff and new hires, guided by civil rights experts. SeaWorld stated that they are continuously striving to enhance their guest experiences at all their parks.
“We strive to create a welcoming and safe environment for every guest at our park, where everyone can see themselves reflected in the experiences we offer,” SeaWorld affirmed. “We take pride in creating lasting memories, especially for our youngest visitors.”