Connecticut mother files lawsuit against Legoland over alleged racial discrimination
STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A fun-filled day at Legoland Theme Park in June 2022 turned into a disturbing experience for a Connecticut family, leading to allegations of racial discrimination and a lawsuit recently filed against the amusement park.
Breana Ramsay of Bridgeport and her sister-in-law, Shaquana Williams of Mount Vernon, New York, took their children to Legoland in Goshen, New York, for what was supposed to be an enjoyable day off. Ramsay's 2-year-old daughter and her 4-year-old nephew were excitedly anticipating the adventure.
At her attorney's office in Stamford, Ramsay spoke exclusively with News 8 investigative reporter Jeff Derderian about the lawsuit and why it was filed.
She said the day took a turn when the park's costumed characters seemingly ignored the children.
"The character blatantly walked around and decided to interact with children that were not of color," Ramsay said.
Cell phone video recorded by Ramsay appears to show Legoland characters engaging with white children while bypassing her daughter and nephew.
"There was nothing out of the ordinary. They were just dancing and having a good time," Ramsay added.
Williams noted the disparity and pointed out that it seemed intentional. Both mothers expressed their belief that the incident highlighted the persistence of racism.
"The car ride was sad," Ramsay recalled. "My nephew was like, 'Why wouldn't they dance with me?' and we were trying to explain the situation without making him feel bad."
Attorney Darnell Crosland, representing the families, said they initially sought an apology and a ticket refund.
"We sent them a letter in August of 2022 and said this was unacceptable, demanding a refund and a meeting about what happened, and they ignored us just like they ignored the kids," Crosland said.
The lawsuit claims that the characters purposely avoided and walked around black children, choosing to dance only with white children.
"The characters can be seen purposefully avoiding and walking around the black children, including the plaintiffs, to avoid having to dance with them and instead dancing with white children," the lawsuit alleges.
The suit also highlights the long-lasting impact on the children, including the need for therapy and their questioning why the Legoland characters did not like them.
When asked if anyone from Legoland had apologized, Ramsay said, "No, they have not. Here we are two years later, and nothing has been done to my knowledge."
Crosland said he sent other people to the park to gather data.
"We've collected data upon data of different incidents that I've paid for from my office to see if this is real, and it continues to happen," he said.
Legoland provided a written statement to News 8: "We are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and safe environment where all our guests feel valued. As this matter is currently under litigation, we are unable to provide further details and will respect the legal process."
Ramsay said her children still ask about going back to Legoland.
"They ask all the time," she said.
Ramsay said, however, they won't be going back.
The lawsuit asks for $1 million in damages. Ramsay also believes the employees involved should be fired, and the entire Legoland staff should receive sensitivity training.