Michael Denmark, the founder and CEO of the carnival, posted an apology to Facebook after visitors complained about a sign that said “NO FAT CHICKS” on one of their rides.
The company wrote that they knew about the sign from the beginning, and that they had covered up as they shared the complainant’s “values re welcoming the whole community to the carnival”. Even “fat chicks”.
In the letter addressed to a certain “Betty”, since they apparently don’t feel the need to apologize to everyone, Denmark explained that someone “sadly” removed the cover from the sign.
It has now been “securely” covered again. They have not yet responded to our question as to why they simply can’t remove the lettering altogether. (Update: The carnival doesn’t own the rides and is thus unable to completely remove things they find offensive, says International Brand Director Andrew Cawtes.)
The company assures us that despite the sexist and all-round offensive sign, they’re still good people: they’ve welcomed many charities and underprivileged families in Hong Kong to the park.
“As the founder and CEO of the business it is my responsibility to ensure no one feels unwelcome at The Great European Carnival and I apologise sincerely to you and your many friends that may have taken offence,” Denmark wrote.
Here’s the full letter:
On Monday eight carnival-goers got stuck on a ride for twenty minutes after they had completed their turn.
“All the systems and safety protocols worked perfectly, the fault was repaired quickly, and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department had already checked and approved the re-opening of the ride by yesterday morning,” said Andrew Cawte, the carnival’s International Brand Director.
“There was absolutely no danger to anyone at any time and those inconvenienced were compensated.”
According to Denmark, over 600,000 people have visited the fair since it opened.
Photo: Elle Lee via Instagram
