“Star Trek” actor and leftist activist <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/celebrities">Wil Wheaton</a> was not amused when <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/larry-david">Larry David</a> pretended to attack the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sesame-street">Elmo</a> puppet during a “Today Show” segment on February 1.
The 51-year-old actor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/itswilwheaton/">posted</a> a lengthy rant about the incident on Facebook, calling the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator a “stupid, self-centered, tone-deaf a**hole” for the stunt.
“Holy s*** it&#8217;s even worse than I thought,” Wheaton wrote of the incident. “What the f*** is wrong with that guy? Elmo is, like, the best friend to multiple generations of children. In the Sesame Street universe, ELMO IS A CHILD, who is currently putting mental health and caring for others in the spotlight.”
“And Larry F***ing David &#8230; did &#8230; that? And thought it was going to be &#8230; funny? What? What an a**hole. What a stupid, self-centered, tone-deaf a**hole,” he continued.
The actor went on to describe abuse he experienced at the hands of his father, which he said triggered his feelings about David pretending to beat up Elmo.
“&#8230;This appalling, unforgivable, despicable act hits more than one raw nerve for me, and I&#8217;m going to say what I wish I&#8217;d been able to say when this sort of thing happened to me,” Wheaton wrote.
“Like, read the room, d***head. It isn&#8217;t always about you being the center of attention. And understand what&#8217;s happening in the moment, f***. Understand that there are larger things in the world than you and your garbage ego,” he went on. 
Elmo was appearing on the show right after a tweet from the Muppet character’s official X account <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/elmo-checks-in-with-followers-on-x-tweet-goes-viral-with-messages-of-hopelessness">went viral</a>. “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” the post said. Most people responded with messages of despair and hopelessness. 
<a href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-9096" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onelink.to/dwapp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1700760801843000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PQrVSrJfhxNb4LcARqniG">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
David was appearing on “The Today Show” to promote the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/larry-david-insists-hes-not-lying-over-curb-your-enthusiasm-ending">last season</a> of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” when he jokingly assaulted the puppet. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
OMG: Larry David &#8212; whose interview was a few segments away on NBC&#39;s &#39;Today&#39; show &#8212; comes out of nowhere &amp; beats up Elmo after his sit-down to talk about the responses to his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/emotionalwellbeing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#emotionalwellbeing</a> post.<a href="https://twitter.com/craigmelvin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigMelvin</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SavannahGuthrie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SavannahGuthrie</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hodakotb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HodaKotb</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alroker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlRoker</a>, &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/elmo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elmo</a> were FLOORED. <a href="https://t.co/cW36SHYX6y">pic.twitter.com/cW36SHYX6y</a>
&mdash; Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) <a href="https://twitter.com/CurtisHouck/status/1753071728845066596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“Elmo inspired a deeply meaningful and important moment of collective support among disparate people who have been struggling through the traumas of a pandemic, daily mass shootings, the rise of fascism and everything associated with Trump&#8217;s violence and cruelty,” Wheaton insisted, adding that the joke was “appalling behavior.” 
“A man who would belittle and mock that isn&#8217;t much of a man at all. Shame on you, Larry David,” the “Star Trek” alum concluded.

Wil Wheaton

Wil Wheaton Rages Against Larry David Jokingly Attacking Elmo Puppet On Live TV

Celebrities

Entertainment

Facebook

Larry David

Sesame Street

U.S.

We were right when we said Trump’s Russian collusion was a hoax, but they called that a conspiracy theory. 
We were right when we said COVID came from a Chinese lab, but they called that a conspiracy theory. 
We were right when we said Hunter’s incriminating laptop was real, and they called that a conspiracy theory. 
Now they’re trying to convince us it’s a conspiracy theory that Taylor Swift is a CIA agent trained to create a green screen psyop that looked like a successful music tour so she could then pretend to fall in love with Pfizer plant Travis Kelce while he disguised himself as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs whom the deep state has constructed to win a make-believe Super Bowl choreographed by the same George Soros team that faked the World Trade Center attacks using the very crisis actors who pretended to land on the moon so that Taylor Swift could then endorse Joe Biden for re-election and the Democrat party could plausibly flood the polls with android Swiftie voters and steal yet another election from Donald Trump.
You can fool us once, my friend, but try to fool us a second time and we’ll start babbling gibberish and sticking our heads so far up our own asses we’ll be able to fart through our ears.
Clearly, Biden has found the key to winning back the voters. Yes, he&#8217;s in such a late stage of dementia his eyeballs roll around because even he can’t believe the unintelligible nonsense coming out of his mouth. He’s crammed our cities with unidentifiable illegal migrants, any hundred of whom could turn out to be terrorists. He’s encouraged tyrants to spread war throughout the world by his weakness and stupidity. But none of that matters, because he’s tweeting about Elmo, and who doesn’t love that ticklish little furball?
<h4><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1166-taylor-swift-loves-president-elmo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WATCH: The Andrew Klavan Show</a></h4>
And I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “Oh, Klavan, you spritzing soda siphon of satiric silliness, where did you come up with the imaginative originality that allowed you to conceive of a president so idiotic he thought he could cheer up the country he’s demolishing by quoting a plush toy?
But no! I&#8217;m not making this up. With our soldiers being murdered and our border being invaded and with one war after another spinning out of control, Biden posted on X [and so help me I did not make up a single word of this] “I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days. Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other.”
Don’t you feel better now? I know I do. Every time I start to despair about our crumbling nation, I hear that furry little red guy’s high-pitched giggle, and I think to myself, well, at least the president is too demented to know what’s happening so there’s still one person in the country who’s not depressed. If all the Americans who love Taylor Swift and all the Americans who love Sesame Street can just get together, we’ll soon be holding hands and singing the alphabet while sleeping with a seemingly endless series of gigolos. Either that or we’ll be singing about sleeping with gigolos while sitting with children who tickle us in order to hear us make that stupid giggling noise until you just want to remove the batteries while the child is in the bathroom and then gently explain to her when she comes out that Elmo won’t be giggling anymore because he’s gone to a better place.
In conclusion, with the West on the brink of destruction and World War III about to start, it’s time to stop messing around with nonsense like endorsements by pop stars and puppets, and turn to the serious business of making sure gay pornography is available to kindergartners. Otherwise, people are going to begin to get the idea that America is not a serious country.
* * *
Andrew Klavan is the host of “The Andrew Klavan Show” at The Daily Wire. He is the bestselling author of the Cameron Winter Mystery series. The third installment, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/House-Death-Cameron-Winter-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0BW1ZTVP9?ref_=ast_author_dp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The House of Love and Death</a>,” is now available. Follow him on X: @andrewklavan
This excerpt is taken from the opening satirical monologue of “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1166-taylor-swift-loves-president-elmo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Andrew Klavan Show</a>.”
The views expressed in this satirical article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour – Sao Paulo, Brazil

Is Taylor Swift A Psyop?

Andrew Klavan

Conspiracy Theory

Joe Biden

Readers Pass

Satire

Taylor Swift

Comedian Larry David was scheduled to appear on Thursday morning&#8217;s broadcast of the &#8220;TODAY&#8221; show on NBC — but he crashed the set a bit early, shocking hosts when he burst onto the scene and physically assaulted another guest, the &#8220;Sesame Street&#8221; Muppet, Elmo.
Elmo joined the show after an X post about emotional well-being garnered a lot of attention — and the hosts wanted to continue that conversation. David, however, apparently had only one thing on his mind.
Newsbusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck shared a video clip of the wild scene, captioning it, &#8220;OMG: Larry David — whose interview was a few segments away on NBC&#8217;s &#8216;Today&#8217; show — comes out of nowhere &amp; beats up Elmo after his sit-down to talk about the responses to his #emotionalwellbeing post. @CraigMelvin, @SavannahGuthrie, @HodaKotb, @AlRoker, &amp; @Elmo were FLOORED.&#8221;
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
OMG: Larry David &#8212; whose interview was a few segments away on NBC&#39;s &#39;Today&#39; show &#8212; comes out of nowhere &amp; beats up Elmo after his sit-down to talk about the responses to his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/emotionalwellbeing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#emotionalwellbeing</a> post.<a href="https://twitter.com/craigmelvin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigMelvin</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SavannahGuthrie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SavannahGuthrie</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hodakotb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HodaKotb</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/alroker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlRoker</a>, &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/elmo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elmo</a> were FLOORED. <a href="https://t.co/cW36SHYX6y">pic.twitter.com/cW36SHYX6y</a>
&mdash; Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) <a href="https://twitter.com/CurtisHouck/status/1753071728845066596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The conversation between Elmo and the hosts had just wrapped up, and Guthrie announced that they planned to &#8220;go over to Al (Roker) for a check of the weather&#8221; — and that&#8217;s when the chaotic scene began to unfold.
<a href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-9096" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onelink.to/dwapp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1700760801843000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PQrVSrJfhxNb4LcARqniG">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
&#8220;Wait, wait, wait!&#8221; The camera panned back from Roker and his weather map to the hosts on the couch — and they all burst out laughing, with shocked expressions on their faces, as David walked onto the set and grabbed Elmo by the neck. With one hand he held the Muppet still, and with the other he punched several times — and the laughter continued.
Without a word, David turned on his heel and walked off the stage.
&#8220;Elmo loved you before,&#8221; the Muppet called after him.
&#8220;Ask permission, ask permission before you touch people, Larry,&#8221; host Craig Melvin admonished the exiting comedian.

Los Angeles Premiere Of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Season 12 – Arrivals

Larry David Shocks Hosts, Crashes ‘TODAY’ Set To Punch Elmo In The Face

Larry David Shocks Hosts, Crashes 'TODAY' Set To Punch Elmo In The Face

Al Roker

Savannah Guthrie

TODAY Show

President Joe Biden prompted a string of mocking replies when he engaged in a discussion about mental health and emotional well-being with the &#8220;Sesame Street&#8221; muppet character Elmo.
Elmo started the exchange by &#8220;checking in&#8221; on X, asking how everyone was doing — and then followed up with a promise to do so again in the future: &#8220;Wow! Elmo is glad he asked! Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing. Elmo will check in again soon, friends! Elmo loves you.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Wow! Elmo is glad he asked! Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing. Elmo will check in again soon, friends! Elmo loves you.❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmotionalWellBeing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmotionalWellBeing</a> <a href="https://t.co/jhn2LNKfHf">pic.twitter.com/jhn2LNKfHf</a>
&mdash; Elmo (@elmo) <a href="https://twitter.com/elmo/status/1752378693446508842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Biden responded, littering his reply with &#8220;Sesame Street&#8221; references and reminding his followers to check in with their friends as well.
&#8220;I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it. Even though it&#8217;s hard, you&#8217;re never alone.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days.
Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it.
Even though it&#39;s hard, you&#39;re never alone. <a href="https://t.co/ffMJekbowo">https://t.co/ffMJekbowo</a>
&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1752518567239536821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Several responded to the post by pointing out the fact that three American service members had just died in an attack perpetrated by Iranian proxies — and that in that context, Biden&#8217;s post had missed the mark.
&#8220;Biden still hasn’t punished Iran for killing three American soldiers. Instead he’s tweeting about Elmo,&#8221; one said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Biden still hasn’t punished Iran for killing three American soldiers
Instead he’s tweeting about Elmo <a href="https://t.co/mqWgqUKmrB">https://t.co/mqWgqUKmrB</a>
&mdash; John Hasson (@SonofHas) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonofHas/status/1752524941671502265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Bro we lost three service members in a terrorist attack and the president is tweeting about sesame street,&#8221; another replied.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Bro we lost three service members in a terrorist attack and the president is tweeting about sesame street <a href="https://t.co/01DSWOxEXn">https://t.co/01DSWOxEXn</a>
&mdash; Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) <a href="https://twitter.com/ComfortablySmug/status/1752532386804289606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Country wrapped in another foreign broader conflict with Iran, who backed proxies murdering US troops. Current President — &#8216;What the puppet said,'&#8221; Stephen Miller said.
<a href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-9096" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onelink.to/dwapp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1706813616678000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3cSk2947NCSD6M3f86lFiY">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Country wrapped in another foreign broader conflict with Iran, who backed proxies murdering US troops. 
Current President &#8211; &quot;What the puppet said.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ETLhnBvm9A">https://t.co/ETLhnBvm9A</a>
&mdash; Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) <a href="https://twitter.com/redsteeze/status/1752521996166975731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;This is worse than anything Donald Trump ever tweeted,&#8221; Miller added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This is worse than anything Donald Trump ever tweeted. <a href="https://t.co/ETLhnBvm9A">https://t.co/ETLhnBvm9A</a>
&mdash; Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) <a href="https://twitter.com/redsteeze/status/1752521381839827409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Not a parody account. Really,&#8221; Joe Concha observed.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Not a parody account. Really. <a href="https://t.co/z49NimN4PI">https://t.co/z49NimN4PI</a>
&mdash; Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeConchaTV/status/1752653568320868654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;I feel so much better now,&#8221; added The Daily Wire host Andrew Klavan.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I feel so much better now. <a href="https://t.co/BkdkQExMuP">https://t.co/BkdkQExMuP</a>
&mdash; Andrew Klavan (@andrewklavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/andrewklavan/status/1752638839003242563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&nbsp;

President Biden Departs White House For Florida

Biden Mocked For Bizarre Exchange About Mental Health … With Elmo

Mental Health

Television

The people behind the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/twitter">X</a> account for Elmo, the popular <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sesame-street">Sesame Street</a> puppet, received a huge response after posting a simple question.
“Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” the post said. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?
&mdash; Elmo (@elmo) <a href="https://twitter.com/elmo/status/1751995117366296904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It has since gone viral, with more than 177 million views since it was first shared Monday morning. Many of the replies were especially dismal, which led to the Sesame Street account sharing a link to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/mental-health">mental health</a> resources. 
“Every morning, I cannot wait to go back to sleep. Every Monday, I cannot wait for Friday to come. Every single day and every single week for life,” one popular reply <a href="https://twitter.com/ContrarianGuild/status/1752050293984960790">said</a>. 
“Elmo I’m suffering from existential dread over here,” another user <a href="https://twitter.com/David_Leavitt/status/1752109876958925076">wrote</a>.
“Not good, Elmo. Not good,” echoed a third.
“The world is burning, Elmo. No amount of tickles can fix this,” Not the Bee answered.
Actress Rachel Zegler, who recently faced major backlash for her comments about Disney’s upcoming live action version of “Snow White,” also <a href="https://twitter.com/rachelzegler/status/1752020801648296343?s=20">replied</a> to Elmos’s post, saying she was “resisting the urge to tell elmo that i am kinda sad.”
“Wow! Elmo is glad he asked! Elmo learned that it is important to ask a friend how they are doing,” the &#8220;Sesame Street&#8221; character wrote in a <a href="https://twitter.com/elmo/status/1752378693446508842">follow-up</a>. “Elmo will check in again soon, friends!  Elmo loves you.❤️ #EmotionalWellBeing”
This prompted President Joe Biden’s X account to also <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1752518567239536821">share</a> a message about mental health.
<a href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-9096" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onelink.to/dwapp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1700760801843000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PQrVSrJfhxNb4LcARqniG">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
“I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier days,” the post from the president said. “Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it. Even though it&#8217;s hard, you&#8217;re never alone.”
This isn’t the first time Sesame Street accounts have caused a stir on social media. Last June, they got trashed for a post celebrating Pride Month, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/sesame-street-dragged-on-twitter-for-sharing-progress-pride-flag">reported</a>.
“On our Street, we celebrate inclusion, belonging, and freedom of authentic self-expression. Happy #PrideMonth to all the people in our neighborhoods!” the post said, along with a rainbow array of hearts following the text. An image attached depicts a colorful cartoon garden with the Progress Pride flag in the center of it.
Many fans pushed back against the messaging, especially since it comes from PBS and is aimed at young children.

Elmo

Elmo Checks In With Followers On X, Post Goes Viral With Messages Of Hopelessness

Executive

Twitter

World

The official “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sesame-street" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sesame Street</a>” Twitter account shared a pro-<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/lgbtq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LGBTQ</a> message in a post for <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/pride-month" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pride Month</a>, prompting many social media users to express strong objections.
“On our Street, we celebrate inclusion, belonging, and freedom of authentic self-expression. Happy #PrideMonth to all the people in our neighborhoods!” the post said, along with a rainbow array of hearts following the text. An image attached depicts a colorful cartoon garden with the Progress Pride Flag in the center of it.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
On our Street, we celebrate inclusion, belonging, and freedom of authentic self-expression. Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrideMonth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrideMonth</a> to all the people in our neighborhoods! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💗🤍🤎🖤 <a href="https://t.co/4ErE22oCh4">pic.twitter.com/4ErE22oCh4</a>
&mdash; Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) <a href="https://twitter.com/sesamestreet/status/1668256850712891392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 Many Twitter users questioned why the long-running PBS show for children would promote this type of messaging.
“This does not need to be shown to kids or taught to kids… Go back to normal Sesame Street and #LeaveKidsAlone in this stuff,” one user <a href="https://twitter.com/HowieF1FTY/status/1668622479429091343" target="_blank" rel="noopener">replied</a>. 
“It was a great run,” another account posted. “Thank you for all you did to make me the man I am today, Sesame Street, and for doing so much to make my world a better place. I regret that my own sons will not have that opportunity, though I am glad Bob was spared from this. All the best.” 
“Children do not need to be subjected to the sexual preferences of adults,” another user <a href="https://twitter.com/MdBreathe/status/1668383635727155200" target="_blank" rel="noopener">responded</a>.
“The letter of the day is G for groomer,” someone else <a href="https://twitter.com/ownsthelibs/status/1668513208192188422" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
Though a few of the comments were supportive, most were negative. There was also a mix of opinions on another social media platform.
“Sesame Street” shared a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtNF3yIAQCt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video clip</a> to Instagram of a heart in rainbow colors and various characters from the show placing their hands on it. “Today and everyday, we celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ members of our community. From our family to yours, happy #PrideMonth!” the caption said.
“Yes, because children truly understand what pride means,” one response said. “Can we just leave the kids alone please? Let them be little without pushing a sexual agenda.”
<a class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://onelink.to/dwapp" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-55187">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP</a>
This isn’t the first time the PBS show <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/love-is-love-says-director-of-sesame-street-family-day-episode-which-stars-married-gay-couple-and-their-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">faced backlash</a> for promoting Pride Month. In 2021, an episode called “Family Day” featured a gay couple and their daughter. 
“Sesame Street has always been a welcoming place of diversity and inclusion,” Alan Muraoka, who plays “Alan” on the show, said on Facebook at the time. “So I’m so excited to introduce Nina’s Brother Dave, his husband Frank, and their daughter Mia to our sunny street.”
“I am so honored and humbled to have co-directed this important and milestone episode,” Muraoka added. “Love is love, and we are so happy to add this special family to our Sesame family. Happy Pride to all!!!!”

‘Sesame Street’ Dragged On Twitter For Sharing Progress Pride Flag

'Sesame Street' Dragged On Twitter For Sharing Progress Pride Flag

LGBTQ

Pride Month

Bob McGrath, one of the four original hosts of &#8220;Sesame Street&#8221; when it premiered in 1969, died Sunday at the age of 90.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Rest in Peace to our Bob McGrath. 
He was so vital in not only our education, but our earliest cognitive memories. 
Who are the people in your neighborhood?<a href="https://t.co/mHtLqhi8MT">pic.twitter.com/mHtLqhi8MT</a>
&mdash; Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyDeraney/status/1599556771617460225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
McGrath, who studied music at the University of Michigan and the Manhattan School of Music, starred on the show for 47 years on more than 150 episodes, and sang some of the biggest hits of the show, including “People in your Neighborhood” and “Sing.”
“Hello Facebook friends, the McGrath family has some sad news to share. Our father Bob McGrath, passed away today. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family,” McGrath’s family informed the public on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3355489321364299&amp;set=a.1516074305305819">Facebook</a>.
After getting his master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, McGrath performed on NBC and did symphonic choral work under composers as famous as Igor Stravinsky.
<a class="c-link" tabindex="-1" href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus?utm_campaign=dwplus&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_source=dwsite&amp;cid=dwplus&amp;mid=z&amp;xid=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus?utm_campaign=dwplus&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_source=dwsite&amp;cid=dwplus&amp;mid=z&amp;xid=0" data-sk="tooltip_parent" data-remove-tab-index="true">TIRED OF THE LEGACY MEDIA’S BIAS CONTROLLING THE NARRATIVE AND OBSCURING THE TRUTH? JOIN US AND SAVE 30%.</a>
When a fraternity brother of his informed him about the budding new show &#8220;Sesame Street,&#8221; McGrath initially expressed disinterest, but then a couple of months later he saw some test pieces with the Muppets, and his perspective radically changed. “It took me about 2 minutes before realizing that I wanted to do this show more than anything else I could ever think of. I was so overwhelmed by the brilliance of the animation, claymation, early film and test pieces with Jim and Frank Oz, and everything else that was going on in the studio,” he recalled in a 2015 <a href="https://kidscangroove.com/2015/03/04/interview-getting-to-know-bob-mcgrath-aka-bob-from-sesame-street/">interview</a>.
McGrath recalled one of his two favorite episodes of the show, titled “Goodbye, Mr. Hooper,” which revolved around the death of Will Lee, who was one of the four original stars of the show.
<blockquote>
Will Lee passed away when Sesame Street was on a break. Jon Stone, a wonderful writer, director, and one of the few original creators that started Sesame Street, had about 3 months to research everything that a child should know on death and dying. &#8230;
On recording day, we rehearsed everything for several hours, totally dry with no emotion, just saying the words. When it was time to “go to tape,” we filmed with full, raw emotions, which were very difficult to contain. We were barely able to keep it together, with tears in our eyes, because we were really reliving Will’s wonderful life on Sesame Street for all of those years. &#8230;
I got lucky and was the last one to see Will in the hospital the night before he died. He had so many tubes in his body so the poor guy was really limited in terms of what he could say and do. I asked the nurse how he was doing, and she said they could not get him to urinate, so I told Will that if he would just try to urinate we would dedicate the next day’s show to him with the letter “P.” Will couldn’t really speak because of the tubes, but he had the biggest smile on his face that he could possibly manage, and was laughing as well as he could. 
</blockquote>
“Bob embodied the melodies of Sesame Street like no one else, and his performances brought joy and wonder to generations of children around the world, whether teaching them the ABCs, the people in their neighborhood, or the simple joy of feeling music in their hearts,” the Sesame Workshop <a href="https://variety.com/2022/tv/obituaries-people-news/bob-mcgrath-dead-sesame-street-1235449775/?fbclid=IwAR3NTsH1g0AUUKp_l06zq2F_QvVgRnWifTwW5SNb8GQmJ2GkDY1EnuoGny4">stated</a>. “A revered performer worldwide, Bob’s rich tenor filled airwaves and concert halls from Las Vegas to Saskatchewan to Tokyo many times over. We will be forever grateful for his many years of passionate creative contributions to Sesame Street and honored that he shared so much of his life with us.”

Patrick McMullan Archives

Original ‘Sesame Street’ Star Bob McGrath Dies At 90

Bob McGrath

Once President Donald Trump left the Oval Office, Hollywood jumped aboard the vaccine train.
Celebrities far and wide pushed the jab from their social media perches, the late-night landscape, and even “Saturday Night Live.”
Stars who <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/stephen-colbert-brutally-mocks-pro-trump-coronavirus-protesters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shamed Americans</a> for protesting the COVID lockdowns during the Trump era, promoted mass vaccinations with equal vigor.
One could argue in favor of the logic behind the push at the time. We were told the vaccines not only protected us from the virus’ worst symptoms, but helped prevent recipients from spreading it to others.
We later learned the vaccine’s efficacy waned in subsequent months, some still died after receiving boosters, and the shot’s ability to stop the spread was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/scandalous-pfizer-exec-tells-eu-lawmaker-covid-jab-was-never-tested-to-show-it-blocked-transmission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more hype than reality</a>.
“Breakthrough” infections went from rare to commonplace. Some argued about the vaccine’s side effects, <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/study-confirms-link-between-covid-19-vaccination-temporary-increase-menstrual-cycle-length" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including interruptions in the menstrual cycle</a>. That’s despite early findings there was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/23/covid-vaccines-periods-menstruation-changes-data-experts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“no data” to suggest such a link.</a>
Celebrities aren’t doctors. They don’t spend long weekends in labs poring over the latest medical findings. Yet they used every bully pulpit possible to promote vaccinations and shame anyone who disagreed, without acknowledging the various sides of the public debate.
Dozens and dozens of stars <a href="https://people.com/health/celebrities-and-politicians-get-covid-19-vaccine-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared their vaccination photos</a> on social media to promote the cause.
&#8220;My wing is feeling a little sore, but it&#8217;ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy,&#8221; Big Bird tweeted.
Far-Left singer John Legend, who has supported the Defund the Police movement, told Gayle King why he got his shot.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve seen the devastation, the separation &#8230; we did Christmas on Zoom. I want to get back with my family &#8230; and not fear their health and their safety.&#8221;
“Saturday Night Live” also got into the act, sharing pro-vaccine messaging in multiple segments.
An April 2021 sketch on “Saturday Night Live” featured a faux game show named “Will You Take It?” in which guest host Daniel Kaluuya played a doctor all but begging his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJCAfFQgCQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unvaccinated family members</a> to get the jab.
Naturally, the unvaccinated are portrayed as slow, God-fearing, and stubborn, to be kind.
A December 2021 SNL sketch featured Kate McKinnon as Dr. Anthony Fauci, along with lines mocking GOP politicians who <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/snl-can-only-laugh-americas-vaccination-quandary-rcna8485" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cautioned against mass vaccinations</a>.
Outgoing “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah <a href="https://www.primetimer.com/watch/trevor-noah-rips-anti-vaxxer-novak-djokovic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excoriated tennis great</a> Novak Djokovic for not getting vaccinated, even though being young and in peak physical condition meant he had little to fear from the virus.
The most infamous example is Stephen Colbert’s “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSkFyNVtNh8&amp;t=3s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Vax Scene</a>.” The sketch featured musical numbers, including dancing needles, in an attempt to promote the medical treatments.
“We are the Vax Scene, get your shot right now in your arm, it won’t hurt, then go hug your mom.”
“In-noc-u-lation, for the whole nation, get a shot in your arm and get a haircut.”
Here’s what one YouTube commenter blithely commented underneath the clip: “If anyone has ever wondered what propaganda actually looks like, you’ve found it … ”
Howard Stern took a combative tone regarding the vaccine. Those who chose against the jab, he said, deserved to <a href="https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/howard-stern-hospitals-ban-unvaccinated-people-1235157846/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suffer the consequences</a>: “It’s time for you to get it. Now, if you don’t get it, in my America, all hospitals would be closed to you. You’re going to go home and die. That is what you should get. Absolutely.”
Stern famously admitted to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/too-much-for-me-howard-stern-recalls-exhausting-first-time-leaving-his-bunker-in-2-years-for-fear-of-catching-covid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">becoming a recluse during</a>, and after, the pandemic.
His pal Jimmy Kimmel used his late-night perch to similarly swipe at the unvaccinated, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jimmy-kimmel-suggests-hospitals-should-refuse-to-treat-unvaccinated-covid-patients">suggesting that they should be banished from hospitals</a>. He also served up <a href="https://mashable.com/video/kimmel-covid-19-vaccination-childrens-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a faux children’s book to mock the unvaccinated.</a>
“Dot Got a Shot” ends with the child receiving a COVID vaccination, even though children represent a microscopically small threat of serious illness or death due to the virus.
Kimmel capped the book by suggesting anti-vax parents were akin to flat-earthers.
Of course, there may be a simple answer to this obsequious behavior on Hollywood’s part, beyond a willingness to do the Democrats’ bidding at every chance.
A new <a href="https://www.judicialwatch.org/covid-19-vaccine-campaign/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Judicial Watch exposé</a> showed how the Biden administration aggressively pursued social media platforms, celebrities, and late-night television shows to push its pro-vaccine, no questions asked agenda.
 Here’s a sampling of their proposals and plans.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vaccine engagement package to all entertainment talent and management agencies</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vaccine engagement package to all media companies and show producers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Start celebrity Share the Mics</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Late night hosts vaccination video</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Launch Hollywood comedy writers video content</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Work with YouTube on an original special about vaccinations targeted to young people (similar to the YouTube’s Dear Call of 2020 special)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Request that the major live TV entertainment shows feature hosts being vaccinated on air (ex: the hosts of The Voice)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Request vaccination specials with BET, The Undefeated, Desus &amp; Mero, Sneaker Shopper. Hot Ones</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Work with the Hollywood guilds to work vaccination messaging into scripted and reality TV shows (ex: Writers Guild, Directors Guild.)</li>
</ul>
It’s hard to say how successful every part of this strategy proved, but it’s clear it either met with some success or Hollywood, Inc. read the administration’s mind.
Again and again.
It doesn’t mean the various stars who promoted vaccines, and aggressively shamed anyone who questioned their efficacy, don’t have more explaining to do.
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of <a href="http://www.hollywoodintoto.com/">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News&#8217; Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://twitter.com/HollywoodInToto?lang=en">@HollywoodInToto</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Biden Admin Aggressively Pursued Celebrities, Late Night Shows To Push Pro-Vaccine Agenda

COVID

COVID-19 Vaccine

Hollywood

John Legend

Saturday Night Live

Stephen Colbert

Vaccines

A Baltimore family just filed a $25 million <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/lawsuit">lawsuit</a> against <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sesame-street">Sesame Place</a>, a theme park in Pennsylvania, claiming their daughters were the targets of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/racism">racial discrimination</a> after being ignored by characters in costume.
The filing comes not long after a video of a Sesame Place employee dressed as Rosita seemingly ignoring two black girls during a parade went viral online, sparking nationwide outrage and accusations of racism. Social media was flooded with examples of similar incidents that allegedly took place at the amusement park, which only helped fuel the fury.
Per <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11056259/Black-family-sues-Sesame-Place-alleging-discrimination.html">Daily Mail</a>, the suit seeks class action status as 25-30 families have come forward with similar claims. It was filed in a federal court in Philadelphia against SeaWorld Parks &amp; Entertainment, the owner of Sesame Place, alleging “pervasive and appalling race discrimination.”
The lawsuit claims that four amusement park employees dressed as Sesame Street characters intentionally ignored Quinton Burns, his daughter Kennedi Burns, and other black guests during a meet-and-greet event on June 18. The family insists the employees’ behavior was an example of racism.
The lawsuit says “SeaWorld&#8217;s performers readily engaged with numerous similarly situated white customers.”
“Just looking at her face, it makes me want to cry every time I see it,” Burns said of his daughter during a press conference on Wednesday. 
“[Kennedi] was ignored amongst a sea of other young white children who were able to interact, give hugs, high fives,” attorney Malcolm Ruff said during the press conference. “Kennedi was forced to experience racism at the age of 5. This is unacceptable and we will not stand by and let this continue.” 
&#8220;We will review the lawsuit filed on behalf of Mr. Burns. We look forward to addressing that claim through the established legal process. We are committed to deliver an inclusive, equitable and entertaining experience for all our guests,” Sesame Street reps replied to the filing in a statement to <a href="https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2022/07/27/sesame-place-lawsuit-filed-baltimore-family-discrimination/">Eyewitness News</a>.
Reps for the amusement park apologized multiple times for the viral video of the two little girls appearing to be ignored, The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/sesame-place-issues-multiple-apologies-as-video-of-character-seemingly-ignoring-two-black-children-goes-viral">reported</a>, but their apologies were not enough to assuage skeptics. 
“We sincerely apologize to the family for their experience in our park on Saturday; we know that it’s not ok. We are taking actions to do better. We are committed to making this right. We will conduct training for our employees so they better understand, recognize and deliver an inclusive, equitable, and entertaining experience for our guests,” a statement at the time said.
“For over 40 years Sesame Place has worked to uphold the values of respect, inclusion and belonging. We are committed to doing a better job making children and families feel special, seen and included when they come to our parks.”
Per Daily Mail, the mother of the two girls from the video, Jodi Brown, didn’t believe the company was being sincere.
“I don&#8217;t believe it was genuine, I believe they were just putting out statements due to how viral the video has gone,” Brown said.

Social Media On The Sand At Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa – Day 3

Sesame Place Hit With $25 Million Racial Discrimination Lawsuit After Alleged Snub From Costumed Character Goes Viral

Lawsuit

Pennsylvania

Racial Discrimination

Racism

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) requested a meeting with the president of Sesame Place Saturday after a video went viral showing a &#8220;Sesame Street&#8221; character seemingly ignoring two black girls during a parade at the park.
The CBC said in a statement Saturday that it was requesting a meeting with Sesame Place president and general manager Cathy Valeriano. The CBC claimed that the video is one of multiple examples of racism displayed at the park in recent days. The meeting would be to discuss changes to the park, including plans of action and training.
&#8220;Congressional Black Caucus &#8216;is requesting an audience with Sesame Place Park President &amp; General Manager Cathy Valeriano to discuss the changes, plans of action, and training the park plans to implement,’” Fox News Congressional reporter <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/1550849599417589761?s=20&amp;t=dfxqy8SgWsY4ksGKhwEqmQ">Chad Pergram</a> tweeted Saturday, quoting from the statement. “CBC says &#8216;Over the past week, we’ve seen multiple glaring examples of racism coming from the park, including the viral video in which two beautiful little Black girls were blatantly rejected by a character they idolized while white children were embraced,’” Pergram quoted in <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/1550849600856137730?s=20&amp;t=dfxqy8SgWsY4ksGKhwEqmQ">another tweet</a>.
Elsewhere in the release, the CBC condemned the park for allegedly not welcoming visitors of all colors, despite the universal appeal of its namesake children&#8217;s program. “Sesame Street is one of the nation’s highest-rated TV shows that, at one time, more than 95 percent of all American Preschoolers watched,” the caucus said in the release, via <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3571687-congressional-black-caucus-requests-meeting-with-president-of-sesame-place-amid-character-controversy/">The Hill</a>. “So, naturally, Sesame Place should be where all children can go to have fun and celebrate. Sadly, that has not been the case.”
The CBC added that Sesame Street plays an &#8220;integral&#8221; role for the children its members represent in their districts, some 80 million Americans, and particularly the 17 million black Americans those members represent. “The show reaches young children in all demographics, with a particular impact on economically disadvantaged children, and families of color should know they will be welcomed at any institution that carries the Sesame Street name,” the CBC wrote in its statement.
A video of the incident went viral on social media earlier this week. In the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgGAHtyFoHg/">video</a>, the character Rosita is walking in a characters&#8217; parade, waving and high-fiving children in the audience. In the clip, the two girls reach out to Rosita, but the character wags her finger at someone in the audience, then appears to shake her head and wave off the girls before continuing on the path.
Sesame Place issued an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgInXl6uy4T/">apology</a> on their Instagram page Monday, saying that the performer playing Rosita was not directing action at any one person in particular, but was instead turning down repeated requests by a member of the crowd to hold their child for a photo, which is not allowed by the park. &#8220;The Rosita performer did not intentionally ignore the girls and is devastated about the misunderstanding,&#8221; the statement said.
The park issued a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgLBV9mOC0q/?hl=en">second apology</a> later on Monday. “We sincerely apologize to the family for their experience in our park on Saturday; we know that it’s not ok. We are taking actions to do better. We are committed to making this right. We will conduct training for our employees so they better understand, recognize and deliver an inclusive, equitable, and entertaining experience for our guests,” the second apology read.
The Congressional Black Caucus acknowledged the apology in its statement, but said that it was requesting a meeting anyway, given the “gravity of the situation and lack of responsibility at all levels.”

Congressional Black Caucus

Alleging ‘Racism,’ Congressional Black Caucus Calls To Meet With Sesame Place President Over Viral Video Of Character Seemingly Ignoring Black Girls

Alleging 'Racism,' Congressional Black Caucus Calls To Meet With Sesame Place President Over Viral Video Of Character Seemingly Ignoring Black Girls

House Democrats

Instagram

Social Media

A video of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sesame-street">Sesame Place</a> character Rosita seemingly ignoring two children at a parade has some critics accusing the park employee of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/racism">racism</a>.
“#BabyPaige &amp; her cute lil friends went to @SesamePlace this weekend to celebrate Paige&#8217;s 4th birthday &amp; this is how #SesamePlace treated these beautiful Black children. I&#8217;m HOT,” a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/social-media">Twitter</a> user wrote along with a short video clip of the incident, which was also shared to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgGAHtyFoHg/">Instagram</a>. While walking in the parade, the amusement park employee dressed as Rosita is seen gesturing no to something, then walks away before greeting the two girls.
“WHATTTTTTT. Oh hell no. This is heartbreaking. Why are people so damn mean?” one commenter responded. “Is this how you treat our babies? I was planning on taking my children this year but not if they’ll be subjected to this type of treatment. Gross.”
“I just want to know one thing.  Was this employee terminated?  Because they don’t need training, they need to be gone,” another person wrote.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabyPaige?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabyPaige</a> &amp; her cute lil friends went to <a href="https://twitter.com/SesamePlace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SesamePlace</a> this weekend to celebrate Paige&#39;s 4th birthday &amp; this is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SesamePlace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SesamePlace</a> treated these beautiful Black children. I&#39;m HOT. <a href="https://t.co/wATjpRzUF1">pic.twitter.com/wATjpRzUF1</a>
&mdash; Leslie Mac (@LeslieMac) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeslieMac/status/1548727928476901376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland also weighed in on the video. &#8220;Ok so, had that been me, that whole parade would have been in flames,&#8221; she shared to Instagram on Sunday. &#8220;Like, are you serious? You&#8217;re not going to speak to my child?&#8221; And did you see that baby&#8217;s face at the end? The little one with the pink on? She deserves an explanation. Hello.&#8221;
Sesame Place is a theme park located in Bucks County, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>, which features a variety of rides, shows, and water attractions all based on the popular show. They also have employees dressed in costume that children can interact with in the park.
The video clip started gaining attention after being shared on social media, which led to Sesame Place offering a statement via their Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgInXl6uy4T/">page</a>.
“Our brand, our park and our employees stand for inclusivity and equality in all forms,&#8221; the statement read. &#8220;Regarding the incident yesterday, the costumes our performers wear sometimes make it difficult to see at lower levels and sometimes our performers miss hug requests from guests.”
“The performer portraying the Rosita character has confirmed that the &#8216;no&#8217; hand gesture seen several times in the video was not directed to any specific person, rather it was a response to multiple requests from someone in the crowd who asked Rosita to hold their child for a photo which is not permitted,&#8221; the explanation continued.
The statement also said that a representative for the park spoke to the family and invited them to a special meet and greet opportunity with the characters.
On Monday, Sesame Place issued a second <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgLBV9mOC0q/?hl=en">apology</a>.
“We sincerely apologize to the family for their experience in our park on Saturday; we know that it’s not ok. We are taking actions to do better. We are committed to making this right. We will conduct training for our employees so they better understand, recognize and deliver an inclusive, equitable, and entertaining experience for our guests,” the second statement read.
“For over 40 years Sesame Place has worked to uphold the values of respect, inclusion and belonging. We are committed to doing a better job making children and families feel special, seen and included when they come to our parks.”
That apology is not enough for some followers on social media, though. “Time to shut it down!” the top Instagram comment says.

Sesame Street Program Helps Identify Stress In Children

Sesame Place Issues Multiple Apologies As Video Of Character Seemingly Ignoring Two Black Children Goes Viral

Senator <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/ted-cruz">Ted Cruz</a> (R-TX) is not amused by a recent “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sesame-street">Sesame Street</a>” public service announcement that featured Elmo getting the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19">COVID-19</a> vaccine just weeks after the shot was approved for children as young as six months.
It was the second time the Republican lawmaker found fault with the children&#8217;s show for pushing the vaccine and brushing aside the concerns of parents. It came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-moderna-and-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccines-children">authorized</a> emergency use of the shots for babies in mid-June.
“Thanks, @sesamestreet for saying parents are allowed to have questions! You then have @elmo aggressively advocate for vaccinating children UNDER 5. But you cite ZERO scientific evidence for this,” Cruz tweeted with a clip from the PSA in question. 
Cruz also included a <a href="https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-colleagues-demand-answers-from-fda-panel-regarding-covid-vaccines-for-babies-and-toddlers">link</a> to a press release stating that his office was demanding answers from an FDA panel regarding the use of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/covid-19-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> for babies and toddlers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Thanks, <a href="https://twitter.com/sesamestreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sesamestreet</a> for saying parents are allowed to have questions!
You then have <a href="https://twitter.com/elmo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elmo</a> aggressively advocate for vaccinating children UNDER 5. 
But you cite ZERO scientific evidence for this. Learn more:<a href="https://t.co/Ss20TmFTSB">https://t.co/Ss20TmFTSB</a> <a href="https://t.co/tr67QyfRyC">https://t.co/tr67QyfRyC</a>
&mdash; Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/tedcruz/status/1541823544325246977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Elmo, who is supposed to be 3 ½ years old, tells the viewing audience that the shot was “a little pinch, but it was okay.” His puppet father, Louie, encouraged Elmo by saying he did a “super-duper” job of tolerating the jab.
“I had a lot of questions about Elmo getting the COVID vaccine. Was it safe? Was it the right decision? I talked to our pediatrician so I could make the right choice,” Louie says in the clip. “I learned that Elmo getting vaccinated is the best way to keep himself, our friends, neighbors and everyone else healthy and enjoying the things they love,” he concludes, then gives Elmo a hug.
This isn’t the first time Cruz criticized “Sesame Street” for promoting COVID vaccines to kids. In November, he blasted the show when Big Bird got his vaccine and shared on social media about the experience.
“I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it&#8217;ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy,” the official account for the character shared at the time. “Ms. @EricaRHill even said I’ve been getting vaccines since I was a little bird. I had no idea!”
“We always knew the media were the Dems’ puppets, but this is getting ridiculous,” Cruz shot back in <a href="https://twitter.com/tedcruz/status/1457873770773876737">reply</a>.
President Biden, meanwhile, was all in favor of the big yellow bird getting the shot. “Good on ya, @BigBird. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep your whole neighborhood safe,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/potus/status/1457525774530097152?lang=en">wrote</a> on Twitter.
In late June, Biden <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-boasts-as-infants-as-young-as-six-months-now-cleared-for-covid-vaccines">bragged</a> about the United States offering COVID vaccines for babies as young as 6 months old. 
“We’re the only country in the world doing this right now,” the president said. “This is a great day for you all. Thanks for the example you are setting.”
“Everybody knows I like kids better than people,” Biden joked.

Elmo and Cruz

Ted Cruz Blasts ‘Sesame Street’ For Promoting COVID Vaccine For Young Kids

Ted Cruz Blasts 'Sesame Street' For Promoting COVID Vaccine For Young Kids

Ted Cruz

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