Exeter Library has apologised after engaging with a social media post of an actor dressed in a monkey costume which included a sex toy.
Redbridge Libraries came under fire after an actor dressed as the colourful, bare-bottomed creature with a fake penis attended a Summer Reading Challenge event in East London.
Footage shared on social media showed the monkey as one of three individuals dressed as colourful animals sent by the Mandiga Arts Group to the library event.
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Exeter Library became involved in the incident when its official Instagram page posted a comment saying: “That was a shock when the monkey turned around.”
It followed up the comment with a series of laughing emojis.
Redbridge Libraries replied by saying “I know, the monkey is out of control, when you have got it, flaunt it, I suppose.”
But, after a backlash, Exeter Library has since apologised, admitting that the costume was ‘inappropriate’ and that they ‘deeply apologise for the offence caused’.
Angry parents also slammed the London library for the stunt, according to MyLondon.
Since the incident, Libraries Unlimited, who runs Devon Libraries, has released a statement on Twitter about its connection to the event.
“Exeter Library were not involved in any way in the organising of this event. We commented on a post regarding this event in some haste, without appreciating the true nature of the show.
“We apologise for misreading the situation and commenting in a positive way. We pride ourselves on offering children fun, exciting and appropriate activities that celebrate inclusion and diversity.
“We are investing this incident to ensure staff follow our policies at all times including on social media.”
Devon County Council has been approached for a comment on the incident.
Unfortunately for the library, not everyone was willing to accept the apology.
Twitter user @RisforRsoul said: “We apologise for commenting in a positive way” – perhaps the biggest non-apology ever. Might as well have just said “#SozNotSoz”.”
While user @finalfightguy said: “The irony of a library misreading a situation.
“Perhaps considering the context and applying that to how you might react if the event was in your own facility might have helped you come up with a more appropriate response – if any was needed at all. Normalising this wasn’t right.”
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