Redbridge Libraries hosted the Mandinga Arts Group at a Redbridge Libraries Summer Reading Challenge event Saturday in east London, the Evening Standard reported. Video footage and photographs posted on social media shows a number of performers outside the event, including an individual dressed in a rainbow monkey costume exposing a fake buttocks and a fake penis.
It is not immediately clear who the performer was.
“Can a word capture the spirit of an age? Images certainly can,” tweeted Twitter user Dr. Jane Harris. “In future, when we think back on the zeitgeist of 2021, we may remember Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey, and wonder how on earth we descended to thinking that this was suitable entertainment for children.”
I mean how many librarian/councillor eyes had to behold the Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey before he was released into the wild to delight the children of Redbridge? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/SbkDerdDZb
— Janice Turner (@VictoriaPeckham) July 11, 2021
Both Mandinga Arts and the library apologized in tweets over the weekend. Redbridge Library’s tweet distanced the library from the decision to bring the “Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey” to perform for the children.
“During an event put on at the library today there was a performance by a Carnival Arts Company,” the library tweeted.
“Unfortunately one of the animal costumes was inappropriate which we were not aware of at the time of booking. We deeply apologise for the offence caused,” the library’s statement continued. “This is being looked into and a further statement will be made. This event was arranged by Vision and not Redbridge Council.
Upon receiving complaints passed on by the Leader and Deputy Leader, we ceibraased the performance and are truly apologetic for the distress caused to residents,” the library said. “This will never happen again.”
Mandinga Arts apologized for any “offence caused,” saying the group “never intended to offend residents.” The organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation as to who the “Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey” is.
“We respect everyone’s individual opinion with no offence to any part,” the group tweeted. “Actions are being taken, more information to follow.”
