# Bagel shop removes blackface sign after backlash

> New York bagel shop deletes racist cartoon mascot after viral accusations.
- Title: Bagel shop removes blackface sign after backlash · LADbible
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: bo's bagels, harlem, blackface, tiktok, new york, mascot, nyc, entertainment, culture, news, Bagel, shop
- Source: LADbible — https://ladbible.com/news/us-news/bagel-shop-removes-mascot-following-backlash-647324-20261019
- Published: 2026-10-19T23:21:27.58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bo's bagels, harlem, blackface, tiktok, new york, mascot, nyc, entertainment, culture, news
## 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
## Key takeaway

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.