A London public library has issued an apology after hiring a man to dress as a rainbow colored, bare bottomed, dildo swinging monkey to encourage children to read.
Redbridge Libraries Summer Reading Challenge event at Goodmayes Library in east London sent shockwaves through social media as footage of the monkey thrusting his prosthetic penis at passing vehicles went viral.
I would really love a detailed breakdown of the commissioning process whereby Redbridge council commissioned the Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey as a means to teach children to read. pic.twitter.com/RfVA42fLyv
— Janice Turner (@VictoriaPeckham) July 11, 2021
The sick performer, now known online as “Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey,” is part of the Mandiga Arts Group.
The Standard reports that “Redbridge Council said that they did not arrange the event and it was organised by Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure (RCL), a registered charity and a non-profit organisation, who have ‘since apologised to residents’.”
Warning, the following images are not safe for work, or anywhere, really.
Apparently this is meant to encourage kids in Redbridge to pick up reading for summer. Please tell me the rationale behind these indecent costumes that were shown to families and done so publicly. Is this really necessary? @Jas_Athwal @RedbridgeLive pic.twitter.com/6I8DBcmDM3
— Has Ahmed (@HasAhmed_) July 10, 2021
Following massive outrage from both local parents and the rest of the world, the library has now issued an apology and said that “this will never happen again.”
“During an event put on at the library today there was a performance by a Carnival Arts Company. 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. This is being looked into,” their statement posted to Twitter began.
2/2 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 ceased the performance and are truly apologetic for the distress caused to residents. This will never
— Redbridge Libraries (@RedbridgeLibs) July 10, 2021
The statement continued on to say that “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 ceased the performance and are truly apologetic for the distress caused to residents. This will never happen again.”
The bizarre artist group said in a statement, “We never intended to offend residents. We respect everyone’s individual opinion with no offence to any part.”