Connecticut mother files lawsuit against Legoland for alleged racial discrimination

STAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A fun day at Legoland theme park in June 2022 turned into a troubling experience for a Connecticut family, leading to allegations of racial discrimination and a recently filed lawsuit against the park. attractions.

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 a fun day off. Ramsay's 2-year-old daughter and 4-year-old nephew were looking forward to 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 costumed characters at the park seemed to ignore the children.

“The character blatantly wandered around and decided to interact with children who were not of color,” Ramsay said.

A cellphone video recorded by Ramsay appears to show Legoland characters engaging with white children while bypassing his daughter and nephew.

“There was nothing extraordinary. They were dancing and having a good time,” Ramsay added.

Williams noted the disparity and emphasized that it appeared intentional. Both mothers expressed their belief that the incident highlighted the persistence of racism.

“The car ride was sad,” Ramsay recalls. “My nephew said to me, 'Why don't they dance with me?' and we tried to explain the situation without him feeling bad.

Attorney Darnell Crosland, representing the families, said they initially asked for an apology and a refund of the ticket.

“We sent them a letter in August 2022 and told them this was unacceptable, demanding a refund and a meeting about what happened, and they ignored us just like they ignored the children,” said Crosland.

The lawsuit claims the characters deliberately avoided and bypassed black children, choosing to dance only with white children.

“The characters can be seen deliberately avoiding and circumventing black children, including plaintiffs, to avoid having to dance with them and instead dance with white children,” the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit also highlights the long-term impact on children, including the need for therapy and their questioning of why the Legoland characters didn't like them.

When asked if anyone from Legoland had apologized, Ramsay replied: “No, they haven't. Here we are two years later and nothing has been done to my knowledge.”

Crosland said he sent others to the park to collect data.

“We've been collecting data on 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 in which all of our customers feel valued. As this matter is currently the subject of litigation, we are unable to provide further details and will respect the legal process.

Ramsay said his children always ask to go back to Legoland.

“They ask for it all the time,” she said.

Ramsay, however, said they would not go back.

The lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages. Ramsay also believes that the employees involved should be fired and that all Legoland staff should receive awareness training.