The Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed Knott’s Berry Farm’s swift response to two separate recent racist incidents at the theme park in Buena Park, California.
SEE:
- Racist kicked out of Knott’s Berry Farm for hurling slur at fellow theme park guest
- Man ejected from Knott’s Berry Farm for alleged racial slur loses job
A widely circulated video posted to TikTok from July 12 shows a man at Knott’s Berry Farm allegedly shouting a racial slur targeting Latinos after reportedly getting into an argument while in line for a ride. The man was reportedly removed from the park by security after becoming involved in a physical altercation later in the day.
Although his identity has not been released, the Eastern Municipal Water District in Perris, California, confirmed in a statement following the incident that the man is no longer employed at the company.
The same day, in a separate incident, a woman was recorded on video allegedly making racist comments to both a ride operator and other park goers, including reportedly threatening to call U.S. immigration authorities. Security responded quickly to the incident, and the woman was reportedly banned from the theme park for life.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We commend Knott’s Berry Farm for taking swift and decisive action in response to these disturbing incidents. In a time of rising hate and anti-immigrant sentiment, we must stand united in ensuring that racism and bigotry are socially rejected—whether it’s in our schools, our places of worship, or at a theme park. It is our collective responsibility to uphold the values of dignity, inclusion, and mutual respect for all people and to stand in solidarity with the Latino community, and all communities facing increased hate.”
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com