Cookie Monster arrested: Popular cartoon characters in Times Square trouble, Cookie Monster, Elmo and Super Mario – all very recognizable and beloved cartoon characters – are receiving notoriety for reasons far different than what you would expect.
An April 10 AP release states that individuals dressed as fantasy characters have been tearing up Times Square with vulgarities, racial slurs and in at least one instance, physical harassment.
It is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to dress as identifiable “Sesame Street” or Disney characters in order to take advantage of the millions of annual visitors to New York’s Times Square. Most will pose with children and charge a few bucks per picture.
In recent months however, certain individuals under the costume have become surprisingly aggressive. Some are seen smoking, using harsh language and pushing one another for a chance to approach families.
Referring to a man dressed as Cookie Monster, Parmita Kurada of Stamford, Conn. said, “He was using words that were really bad.”
Kurada was involved in a dispute this week when the man demanded $2 for posing with her 2-year-old son, Samay. When she told Cookie Monster that they had no cash, the man reportedly shoved the boy and verbally accosted the family.
“It was very scary for us, and I was crying. I didn't want to provoke him, so I said, ‘We'll give you the money, but stop yelling!’” she said.
Under the shaggy blue outfit was 33-year-old NYC resident Osvaldo Quiroz-Lopez, who was charged with assault, child endangerment and “aggressive begging.”
The poor behavior by these adored characters has a lasting impression on little minds.
According to the AP release, young Samay was asked by a WNBC-TV reporter why he no longer likes the character he watches on “Sesame Street.” Little Samay reportedly replied: “Because Cookie Monster give me boo-boo.”
The street performers are in knockoff costumes, and none are employed or sanctioned by the official parent companies that own trademark rights to the characters, but their pandering is protected under the First Amendment. They are free to solicit their services as long as they do not pose a traffic hazard, sell official merchandise or harass people.
“I don't think they should charge, but if they're unemployed or homeless, and this is the only way they can make money, it's OK,” said Lauren Larcara of Oakland, N.J., who posed with a torch-carrying Statue of Liberty.
source examiner
An April 10 AP release states that individuals dressed as fantasy characters have been tearing up Times Square with vulgarities, racial slurs and in at least one instance, physical harassment.
It is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to dress as identifiable “Sesame Street” or Disney characters in order to take advantage of the millions of annual visitors to New York’s Times Square. Most will pose with children and charge a few bucks per picture.
In recent months however, certain individuals under the costume have become surprisingly aggressive. Some are seen smoking, using harsh language and pushing one another for a chance to approach families.
Referring to a man dressed as Cookie Monster, Parmita Kurada of Stamford, Conn. said, “He was using words that were really bad.”
Kurada was involved in a dispute this week when the man demanded $2 for posing with her 2-year-old son, Samay. When she told Cookie Monster that they had no cash, the man reportedly shoved the boy and verbally accosted the family.
“It was very scary for us, and I was crying. I didn't want to provoke him, so I said, ‘We'll give you the money, but stop yelling!’” she said.
Under the shaggy blue outfit was 33-year-old NYC resident Osvaldo Quiroz-Lopez, who was charged with assault, child endangerment and “aggressive begging.”
The poor behavior by these adored characters has a lasting impression on little minds.
According to the AP release, young Samay was asked by a WNBC-TV reporter why he no longer likes the character he watches on “Sesame Street.” Little Samay reportedly replied: “Because Cookie Monster give me boo-boo.”
The street performers are in knockoff costumes, and none are employed or sanctioned by the official parent companies that own trademark rights to the characters, but their pandering is protected under the First Amendment. They are free to solicit their services as long as they do not pose a traffic hazard, sell official merchandise or harass people.
“I don't think they should charge, but if they're unemployed or homeless, and this is the only way they can make money, it's OK,” said Lauren Larcara of Oakland, N.J., who posed with a torch-carrying Statue of Liberty.
source examiner
