A mother claims a New Jersey-based Chuck E. Cheese mouse character discriminated against her black two-year-old, according to a video of the incident posted July 31.
Video footage shows a young black girl dancing near a Chuck E. Cheese character. The costumed individual appeared to high-five white children, apparently ignoring the dancing black child nearby.
“On July 30 at Chuck E Cheese in Wayne, NJ, my [two-year-old] was racially discriminated against. As you can see, he gives all of the [white] kids [high-fives and] PURPOSELY ignored my black baby,” a tweet from the mother reads. “When confronted, he ignored me as well.”
The tweet alleges the Chuck E. Cheese manager “made excuses” for the costumed character. Management claimed the costumed individual did not see the black child.
“Saying she’s ‘sorry I feel that way’ but he didn’t see her, even after showing her the PROOF in the video,” the mother continued in the Twitter thread.
PLEASE RETWEET‼️ On July 30 at Chuck E Cheese in Wayne, NJ, my 2yo was racially discriminated against. As you can see, he gives all of the yt kids hi-5s & PURPOSELY ignored my black baby. When confronted, he ignored me as well. The manager, Angie Valasquez, made excuses for him.. pic.twitter.com/QMmE3wmti1
— Umm Safa 🩰 (@belllahijabi) July 31, 2022
In a separate post, the mother shared a photo of her daughter with the Chuck E. Cheese mouse in which the character is giving a thumbs-up sign. The mother claimed management “insisted” the child and the character take a photo together.
“I wasn’t for it but Safa was still innocently following him around — of course, unaware of what just happened,” the post reads. “Just for her to take a picture like this. Great job, Safa.”
Not so much. pic.twitter.com/NHzY7H1Igj
— Umm Safa 🩰 (@belllahijabi) August 1, 2022
The alleged incident came after two families recently reported racial discrimination by costumed characters at the Sesame Street-themed park “Sesame Place.” Video footage shows the character Rosita seemingly ignoring two black girls as they reach for a hug. The kids appear to be reaching for a hug when the costumed character shakes its head and walks away.
Another family is suing Sesame Place for $25 million after a five-year-old black girl was allegedly ignored by four costumed characters during a June 18 meet-and-greet at the park. (RELATED: Family Sues Sesame Place For $25 Million After Alleged Discrimination)
Chuck E. Cheese told the Daily Caller that they are “saddened” that the family did not have an enjoyable experience.
“Chuck E. Cheese is saddened when any family or child has a less than perfect experience. We want to thank the family who brought this to our attention at our Wayne, NJ location and for giving the onsite manager an opportunity to apologize and address their concerns in person,” the brand said in a statement. “As home to millions of families and kids every year that celebrate the big and small milestones, including fun, our goal is to create an inclusive experience for children and parents of all ages, races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and learning differences. Our mission is to provide a fun and a safe place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid, and all cast members are trained to ensure that we live up to this promise.”