Hudson Valley Waterpark Called ‘Racist’ Over Commercial

A Hudson Valley waterpark is in some hot water after a casting call for their latest commercial is characterized as racist.

A posting looking for families to appear in a commercial for Zoom Flume waterpark offended some people who claim the request is just plain racist. The casting call was put up on the Hudson Valley Film and TV production Employment Facebook page requesting families to appear in a commercial for Zoom Flume. The wording of the ad, however, is what has some people calling it racist.

The posting was made on Wednesday of last week and says that the production company is looking for families that are interested in appearing in a commercial that will be filmed "This Friday, August 8." Friday was actually August 5, but that's beside the issue. The line that seems to have everyone up in arms is as follows:

We are searching for two well-groomed Caucasian families. Actual “real” families would be terrific and our first choice but families can be created with friends or other family members as long as they look similar as “mother, father and children”.

Those who attend Zume Flume were quick to point out that families of many different ethnicities enjoy the waterpark. Facebook user Kristen Quick responded:

This is disgusting that you actually are only asking for well groomed Caucasian families!! Absolutely sickening because of this i will NEVER go to zoom flume again!!!!!!

News 10 in Albany contacted Zoom Flume to find out what was behind the casting call and the waterpark told them that the posting was the idea of the casting company and not Zoom Flume. The waterpark says that they have "cut ties" with the company and the commercial shoot has been postponed. They also added that people of all races are welcome at the park.

What do you think about the controversy? Are you offended by a casting call that asks for a specific race of people to appear in a commercial? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.