Disney rabbit racist? A San Diego Family is making claims about a Disney employee in a new lawsuit. On Feb. 7, FOX News reported that the family has filed said lawsuit against Disneyland, claiming that one of their employees -- who was dressed up as the White Rabbit (from "Alice in Wonderland") -- treated their children differently because they were black.
"I went to hug him but he turned his back. It’s made me feel sad because I wanted to really hug him," said 6-year-old Jason Black Jr. According to the lawsuit, Jason's older brother tried to hold hands with the White Rabbit but "the employee kept pushing his hand away."
The Disney rabbit accused of being racist has not been identified. Disney issued the Black family VIP passes upon receiving their complaint. The family declined the passes and is now seeking a public apology from the amusement park. They don't want refunds or sums of money -- they want to raise awareness and get that employee fired.
"They’re not trying to get something they don’t deserve. In fact, all they’ve asked for is a little bit of recognition that this should not have happened," said the family's attorney, Dan Gilleon. So far, Disney hasn't made any public comments about this case. They have offered the family $500 to keep the issue confidential -- but that's exactly the opposite of what the family wants.
It sounds like the Disney rabbit was being racist but there could be more to this story. What do you think?
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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