Family Sues Sesame Place for $25 Million For Racial Discrimination

A class action lawsuit has been filed by a Baltimore family against Sesame Place, alleging racial discrimination from the theme park.

Quinton Burns of Baltimore and his 5-year-old daughter, Kennedi, appeared at a news conference in Philadelphia on Wednesday announcing the lawsuit. Their lawyers said they’re seeking class-action status to include other families with similar experiences.

According to the complaint, Burns and his daughter went to Sesame Place on June 18 and during a “meet and greet” with characters — Elmo, Ernie, Telly Monster, and Abby Cadabby, she was ignored. Other Black children were also ignored, the complaint states, while the characters “readily engaged with” white visitors.

Burns’ Attorney Malcolm Ruff stated:

“We watched in utter disgust as the viral videos of these beloved Sesame Street characters were discriminating against these innocent Black children and the videos began to flood the internet,"She was ignored amongst a sea of other young white children, who were able to interact, give hugs, high-fives, and love from these characters that are supposed to be a source of safety, a source of equity, a source of kindness."

Sesame Place told ABC News , “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."