From LADbible · · 1m 10s
Bagel shop removes blackface sign after backlash
New York bagel shop deletes racist cartoon mascot after viral accusations.
In brief
New York bagel shop deletes racist cartoon mascot after viral accusations. Bo's Bagels removed its Harlem World-themed bagel mascot after being accused of blackface by a TikTok user, following threats and harassment against staff. Originally reported by LADbible.
Bagel shop removes blackface sign
A New York bagel shop removed its cartoon mascot after viral accusations of blackface.
“The sign’s exaggerated features, bulging lips and teeth, and darkened skin tone recall the racist caricatures historically used to degrade Black people”
TikTok user accuses shop of blackface
TikTok user Anastazia X called the mascot a 'blackface bagel' and said it was 'not funny' and 'problematic'.
“She said the mascot was 'not funny' and 'problematic'”
Owner faces harassment claims
Shop owner Andrew Martinez said he received threats and harassment after the backlash, claiming it was from people who 'know nothing about us'.
“It got completely out of hand by a bunch of people who know nothing about us”
Owner defends business reputation
Martinez stated his shop has a strong local reputation, donating to schools and helping homeless shelters in Harlem.
“This is actually almost weird to us because Harlemites love us. They know what we do. We donate to schools. We give food away to the homeless shelters”
Artist defends work
Harlem artist Tom Sanford created the mascot and said it represents positive cultural contributions from the streets.
“Personally, I do not see uptown streetwear culture in a negative light at all. To me, these items represent overwhelmingly positive cultural contributions that came from the streets of my neighbourhood and crossed over into the mainstream”
Shop removes sign after backlash
Bo's Bagels removed the sign following backlash from the viral video and accusations of racism.
“Bo's Bagels has removed the sign following the backlash”
The one thing
Bo's Bagels removed its Harlem World-themed bagel mascot after being accused of blackface by a TikTok user, following threats and harassment against staff.
