Sesame Place trial over alleged racial snubs by costumed characters delayed. Here's why

A discrimination lawsuit filed last year alleging that Sesame Place and its parent company, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, violated the civil rights of Black parents and children when costumed performers intentionally snubbed them in favor of guests of other races is moving its way through the federal court system.

The original lawsuit was brought in July by a Baltimore, Maryland man and his 5-year-old daughter, who allege they were discriminated against during a 2022 Father's Day visit to the popular Middletown theme park.  In September, seven more parents and their minor children joined the lawsuit alleging they were discriminated against during park visits between Dec. 2021 and July 2022.

What prompted the filing of a federal lawsuit against Sesame Place?

New York City resident Jodi Brown posted cellphone video of her July 2022 visit to Sesame Place that went viral on social media allegedly showing a costumed park performer dressed as “Rosita” allegedly snubbing her daughter and niece, who are Black, but interacting with guests of other races during a July 16 visit.

The video sparked an avalanche of criticism against the park and operators over the incident and its handling of Brown's accusations. It also prompted additional people to come forward with videos they allege show costumed performers ignoring Black and brown children, but interacting with other guests.

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What are the latest developments in the Sesame Place lawsuit?

Attorneys for SeaWorld filed a motion in November seeking to dismiss the lawsuit on the ground that the plaintiffs have failed to show their civil rights were violated. The filing contends that an admission ticket to Sesame Place provides no contractual right to personal interactions with costumed characters on demand and the plaintiffs’ failure to allege the costumed characters treated them differently than other park guests.

The judge overseeing the trial is expected to issue an order on SeaWorld’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit in November.

How many plaintiff witnesses could be called?

In a brief filed Feb. 10, attorneys representing the eight plaintiffs stated they intend to call  at least 87 adults at trial and they have identified another 121 children that are likely to have “discoverable” information that support plaintiffs’ claims.

When is the trial scheduled to take place?

The trial was originally scheduled to begin in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia in November, but that trial date has been pushed back to May, 2024.

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How did Sesame Place respond to the controversy?

Sesame Place repeatedly apologized to Brown and her family, denied allegations of racism and announced it was undertaking comprehensive initiatives including employee anti-bias training and education and racial equity assessment including a review of policy, processes and practices to identify areas of improvement with equity, diversity and inclusion.

Park employees completed a “substantive training and education program” last year. The program is designed to address bias, promote inclusion, prevent discrimination and “ensure guests and employees feel safe and welcome,” according to Sesame Place.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Trial for Sesame Place discrimination lawsuit won't take place until 2024