NYC Bagel Shop Removes Mascot After 'Blackface' Accusation Sparks Controversy

Bo's Bagels, a Harlem establishment, has removed a cardboard cutout of its cartoon mascot after a viral TikTok video characterized it as a "blackface owner." The owner, Andrew Martinez, stated that threats and harassment prompted the sign's removal from the sidewalk.

The cutout, a sunglasses-wearing bagel that also functioned as a chalkboard sign, featured gold teeth displaying "Harlem World" and a large gold ring with "NYC." It was designed by Harlem-based artist Tom Sanford, known for his work including caricatures of the New York Knicks.

The controversy began when Harlem-based photographer Carl Broady posted on Instagram, describing the cartoon as a "disrespectful caricature of black people" with "exaggerated features, bulging lips and teeth, and darkened skin tone" that recalled racist historical imagery.

The situation escalated with a TikTok video by user "Anastazia X," who called the mascot a "blackface bagel" and "problematic." The TikToker, who has 4,000 followers, also stated the shop was "white owned" and claimed her emailed concerns to Martinez had gone unanswered, leading her to confront a store manager.

Martinez, a lifelong New Yorker who has resided in Harlem for nearly 20 years, expressed dismay at the backlash, stating, "It got completely out of hand by a bunch of people who know nothing about us. And the rage was coming in from people who just wanted to call us racist."

Opinions among Harlem residents were divided. One 43-year-old resident noted the "stereotypical imagery" of gold chains and other elements, comparing it to historical caricatures. However, Genisha Metcalf, 39, disagreed, telling The Post that labeling the sign "racist" was excessive and "that's not blackface."

Martinez reported that the controversy led to harassing phone calls targeting his employees, with some influencers allegedly entering the store to create confrontational videos. "They’ve reached out to my black employees and said, ‘You need to leave there because your owners hate you,’ and that’s just not true," Martinez said.

Martinez, who stated he had offered to respond to Anastazia X's email, highlighted the community's support for his business, citing his contributions to local schools and homeless shelters. Anastazia X later expressed regret for the harassment that resulted from her video, stating it was not her intention and she does not condone such behavior.

Artist Tom Sanford defended his work, stating his intention was to "celebrate that culture" and that he views "uptown streetwear culture in a positive light," seeing these elements as "overwhelmingly positive cultural contributions."