The mascot for a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in New Jersey has been accused of "racially discriminating" against a Black two-year-old after the employee purportedly ignored a high-five attempt.
The allegedly racist incident took place on July 30 when Natyana Muhammad took her kids to the chain's location in Wayne, New Jersey - and the employee dressed as Chuck E. Cheese apparently deliberately ignored her daughter during a meet-and-greet.
Taking to Twitter, Muhammad posted a clip that showed the employee walk past as a toddler holds out her hand for a high-five. She captioned the video: "My 2-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."
Muhammad, who goes by Umm Safa on Twitter, went on to say that when she confronted the individual, he took no notice of her. She also claimed that the manager at the restaurant, apparently named Angie Valasquez, "made excuses for him".
Speaking to ABC7, the mom said: "When she turned around she was excited to see him, she saw that he was giving all the other kids high fives. She put her hand out. It was her turn. He just put his hand in and down acting like he didn't see her."
She then said that the restaurant "insisted" the little one take a photo with Chuck E.
Chuck E. Cheese have since released a statement saying: "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.
"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."
