A cheerleading performance at Walt Disney World has been condemned as 'racist' and accused of borrowing Native American stereotypes.
Performers from the The Port Neches-Groves High School in Texas appeared to chant "scalp 'em Indians, scalp 'em," in footage which has been shared online and to which many have expressed outrage.
Disney was forced to denounce the recent performance.
Spokesperson Jacquee Wahler told Deadline in a statement: "The live performance in our park did not reflect our core values, and we regret it took place.
"It was not consistent with the audition tape the school provided and we have immediately put measures in place so this is not repeated."
One who watched the video posted it on Twitter with the comment: "Cuz a bunch of kids in fringe chanting “scalp ‘em Indians, scalp ‘em” is honor, right?
"And any Natives who attend @pngisd should prolly just accept their classmates dehumanising them cuz “tradition”, right? Shame on @DisneyParks hosting this.
"Nostalgic racism is RACISM."
Kelly Lynne D’Angelo, a writer on TNT’s Miracle Workers, added: "99% percent of the people sharing their outrage about this are Native people. Can’t you see that’s the problem too?
"Why must WE be the ones to speak up of all the blatant racism against us?
"Of our constant mistreatment? Why must we fight, tooth and nail, for you to understand we are human and alive and thriving too?"
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr issued a statement in response to the offensive depictions.
It said: "Port Neches-Groves Independent School District continues to use offensive and stereotypical depictions of our tribe, and this is yet again exampled by their cheer team recently in Orlando.
"For the past couple of years, we have written to the Port Neches superintendent and school board asking them to cease using this offensive imagery, chanting, symbolism and other practices in their school traditions as this does nothing but dishonour us and all Native American tribes who are making great strides in this country."
The Mirror has contacted Walt Disney World for further comment.
The Mirror has also contacted the school for comment.
