Police, Utah governor condemn video of teens with blackface
Nov 1, 2022, 2:29 PM | Updated: 6:41 pm
An image from the original tiktok with blurred faces, since the teens involved are minors.
CEDAR CITY, Utah — Cedar City police and Wal-Mart have released statements after a viral video captured multiple teens dressed as criminals with blackface and others dressed as police officers.
According to Cedar City Police Department, the video was captured at a Walmart in Cedar City: “Our police officers were not aware of the incident taking place at the time and were not called to the scene. Cedar City Police Department and Cedar City officials do not condone this type of activity.”
The video shows three teens dressed in black and white striped clothing, in the style of prisoners, and complete blackface, with a few other teens dressed in police and SWAT costumes.
Tuesday evening a Walmart spokesperson released this statement to KSL.
“We don’t tolerate discrimination or demeaning behavior of any kind and are incredibly disappointed by what is shown in this video. After learning these people were in the building, our associates immediately instructed them to leave the property.”
The video, which was originally shared on TikTok, has since been reposted on many different platforms with outcries from the public against the teens’ inappropriate Halloween costumes as racist.
KSL TV has blurred the image since those involved are minors, however, their blackened hands are still visible.
Gov. Spencer Cox released the following statement on the video, “We strongly condemn racism in all its forms and we call on every Utahn to reject such offensive stereotypes, slurs and attitudes. We must do better.”
Cedar City police released the following statement:
“On October 31, 2022, a video was captured at the Cedar City Walmart of multiple juveniles dressed in Halloween costumes acting inappropriately. The video has since gone viral on multiple social media platforms. Our police officers were not aware of the incident taking place at the time and were not called to the scene. Cedar City Police Department and Cedar City officials do not condone this type of activity.
“Cedar City Police has since been contacted by a citizen who was present during the incident and has initiated an investigation. We are actively monitoring social media.
“While topics such as these can cause an emotional reaction, we encourage everyone to be mindful when sharing videos of juveniles on social media, including any cyber or other harassment that can accompany this type of incident.”
