# NYC Bagel Shop Removes 'Blackface' Mascot After Influencer Video

> Harlem bagel shop takes down cartoon mascot after TikTok influencer calls it 'blackface'.
- Title: NYC Bagel Shop Removes 'Blackface' Mascot After Influencer…
- Summary: Harlem bagel shop takes down cartoon mascot after TikTok influencer calls it 'blackface'. Harlem bagel shop Bo's Bagels removed its cartoon mascot after a…
- Keywords: bo's bagels, anastazia x, harlem, blackface, tiktok, cartoon mascot, nyc, news, entertainment, Bagel, Shop, Removes
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/19/us-news/nyc-bagel-shop-forced-to-remove-cartoon-mascot-after-influencer-calls-it-blackface
- Published: 2026-10-19T19:16:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bo's bagels, anastazia x, harlem, blackface, tiktok, cartoon mascot, nyc, news, entertainment
## Harlem bagel shop forced to remove mascot
A Harlem bagel shop removed a cardboard cutout of its cartoon mascot after a viral TikTok video called it a 'blackface' bagel.

> It got completely out of hand by a bunch of people who know nothing about us.
## Influencer labels mascot as 'blackface'
TikTok user Anastazia X declared the sign a 'blackface bagel' and called it 'problematic' in a video with 4,000 followers.

> It’s not funny
## Mascot design and backlash
The mascot, designed by Harlem artist Tom Sanford, featured golden grills reading 'Harlem World' and a golden ring with 'NYC' until backlash forced its removal.

> The sign’s exaggerated features, bulging lips and teeth, and darkened skin tone
## Harlem residents mixed reactions
Harlem residents had mixed opinions on the mascot, with some calling it stereotypical and others saying it wasn't racist.

> That’s not blackface
## Threats and harassment
The shop faced phone threats and harassment from influencers after the controversy, with employees told they needed to leave the business.

> You need to leave there because your owners hate you
## Owner's response
Owner Andrew Martinez said the shop was 'almost weird' to Harlem residents who support their community work and food donations.

> This is actually almost weird to us because harlemites love us
## Key takeaway

Harlem bagel shop Bo's Bagels removed its cartoon mascot after a TikTok influencer labeled it 'blackface' and faced harassment.