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KidZania children's show rejects racism claims over 'scary' black puppet KidZania children's show rejects racism claims over 'scary' black puppet
(about 2 hours later)
A children’s entertainment company embroiled in a race row has rejected accusations from a parent that its show portrayed a black puppet being bullied.A children’s entertainment company embroiled in a race row has rejected accusations from a parent that its show portrayed a black puppet being bullied.
KidZania London confirmed on Thursday performances of the show had been temporarily suspended while its management investigated the complaint made by a father who had taken his family to the show to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. KidZania London confirmed on Thursday that performances of the show had been temporarily suspended while its management investigated the complaint made by a father who had taken his family to the show to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
The company said: “It is the policy of KidZania London to take most seriously, and review immediately, any and all material and guest experiences and engagement throughout the city regarding any complaint received. This policy will always continue.”The company said: “It is the policy of KidZania London to take most seriously, and review immediately, any and all material and guest experiences and engagement throughout the city regarding any complaint received. This policy will always continue.”
It said KidZania London “prides itself on being an inclusive and multicultural experience and would certainly not wish to cause any offence, mis-interpretation or upset to any of our visitors”.It said KidZania London “prides itself on being an inclusive and multicultural experience and would certainly not wish to cause any offence, mis-interpretation or upset to any of our visitors”.
Pappi Ndelu, from Wandsworth in south-west London, had told the London Evening Standard newspaper he was shocked to hear a black puppet being described as “black, ugly and scary”.Pappi Ndelu, from Wandsworth in south-west London, had told the London Evening Standard newspaper he was shocked to hear a black puppet being described as “black, ugly and scary”.
He alleged his daughter had joined in part of the show featuring a “friendly, white Caucasian-looking puppet” and another called Shadow, which was covered in a black “hijab-looking” sheet. The white puppet taunted the black one and gave it a “makeover” before it reappeared in white, he said.He alleged his daughter had joined in part of the show featuring a “friendly, white Caucasian-looking puppet” and another called Shadow, which was covered in a black “hijab-looking” sheet. The white puppet taunted the black one and gave it a “makeover” before it reappeared in white, he said.
Ndelu said: “It encourages racial bullying towards children. If they had told us what the context of the play was we would not have let our daughter take part. It reinforces a negative in young children against Muslim women who wear the hijab over their faces.”Ndelu said: “It encourages racial bullying towards children. If they had told us what the context of the play was we would not have let our daughter take part. It reinforces a negative in young children against Muslim women who wear the hijab over their faces.”
In the script, which the Guardian has seen, a ghost-like black puppet called Shadow that has been “defeated” countless times, tells a fellow puppet: “Well maybe if you removed your hair from your face and those ridiculous headphones from your ears you might be able to see and hear a little more and be ready for me!”In the script, which the Guardian has seen, a ghost-like black puppet called Shadow that has been “defeated” countless times, tells a fellow puppet: “Well maybe if you removed your hair from your face and those ridiculous headphones from your ears you might be able to see and hear a little more and be ready for me!”
The other puppet, Beebop, replies: “But it’s the fashion! You could really do with a makeover, Shadow, you can come across as really scary with all that black.”The other puppet, Beebop, replies: “But it’s the fashion! You could really do with a makeover, Shadow, you can come across as really scary with all that black.”
Another says: “I always thought black was a bit drab-looking for Shadow.”Another says: “I always thought black was a bit drab-looking for Shadow.”
At the end of the show, the black puppet is introduced as a pink “new and improved Shadow”. The stage directions read: “Shadow enters. This a different puppet. Shadow is now brightly coloured”, to which the other puppets gasp.At the end of the show, the black puppet is introduced as a pink “new and improved Shadow”. The stage directions read: “Shadow enters. This a different puppet. Shadow is now brightly coloured”, to which the other puppets gasp.
KidZania said: “We believe the content of the script falls well within our mission and guidelines … it should be noted that all the content and script is entirely pre-recorded. No child is required to speak the respective character parts within the performance given in the theatre.” The word ugly was not in the script and this claim was inaccurate, it added.KidZania said: “We believe the content of the script falls well within our mission and guidelines … it should be noted that all the content and script is entirely pre-recorded. No child is required to speak the respective character parts within the performance given in the theatre.” The word ugly was not in the script and this claim was inaccurate, it added.
The company said the puppet show had been running since its launch without any formal complaints.The company said the puppet show had been running since its launch without any formal complaints.
“We regret that one parent found the performance upsetting. Mr Ndelu has already confirmed his and his family’s next visit to Kidzania London,” it added.“We regret that one parent found the performance upsetting. Mr Ndelu has already confirmed his and his family’s next visit to Kidzania London,” it added.