Quinton Burns, the girl’s father, has filed a $25 million lawsuit against SeaWorld Parks, the owner of Sesame Place, for “pervasive and egregious racial discrimination” after he claimed his daughter, Kennedy, went missing. The video, which was shared by the law firm representing the Baltimore family, shows an employee dressed as Terry the Beast walking on the side of the road as other characters dance in the street. Telly’s character appears to offer his hand for a shake to a young female viewer, only to be hit back by Kennedy, who has also extended her hand. The girl then turns to the camera and frowns, clearly confused and upset by what just happened. A Sesame Place employee dressed as Ernie appeared to ignore 5-year-old Kennedi Burns last month.Murphy Falcon Murphy The video captures another employee dressed as Ernie also shaking hands with other children, but not the young black girl as she desperately reaches out. She turns and says something to the camera, frustrated again. “I just look at her face, it makes me want to cry every time I see it,” Burns said during a press conference with his attorneys Wednesday, CBS Baltimore reported. Quinton Burns claims in a lawsuit that Kennedy’s 5-year-old daughter was ignored by costumed characters on Sesame Place because of her race.Murphy Falcon Murphy The lawsuit alleges that Kennedy was ignored by a total of four characters at the June 18 event at the Pennsylvania park because of her race: “SeaWorld performers easily interacted with many white customers in a similar location.” “We’re here before you today just trying to fight and protect young black children and their fundamental civil rights,” attorney Malcolm Ruff told reporters. “She was being ignored in a sea of other little white kids who were able to interact, hug, high five,” Ruff said. Ruff said Burns contacted his law firm after seeing a viral clip showing two other black girls from New York allegedly passing white children in the crowd during a parade. Five-year-old Kennedy Burns reaches out for a handshake from the Beast, but he never gets one. Murphy Falcon Murphy “Kennedy was forced to experience racism at the age of 5. This is unacceptable and we will not stand by and let it continue,” Ruff said. Attorneys representing the New York family told CBS they are not part of that lawsuit. Sesame Place said in a statement that it is reviewing its practices to identify any necessary changes. It has also announced that all staff will undergo bias training as a result of the incidents. “We will review the lawsuit filed on behalf of Mr. Burns,” the park said in a statement to CBS Baltimore. “We look forward to dealing with this allegation through the standard legal process. We are committed to providing an inclusive, fair and fun experience for all our guests.”
