Knott’s Removes ‘Inked’ Shirt After Caricature Concerns

Knott’s Berry Farm has removed a T-shirt promoting “Inked,” a new haunted house at Knott’s Scary Farm, after concerns that the merchandise design included a racist caricature, according to Theme Park Insider. A park spokesperson did not directly address the characterization of the artwork but said Knott’s is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment. The spokesperson added that the design was not intended to be perceived as offensive, while acknowledging the concerns and saying the shirt had been removed from inventory. The merchandise controversy followed questions about the creative process behind artwork used for Knott’s Halloween event, including whether generative artificial intelligence was involved. Theme Park Insider reported that Knott’s recently shared a video highlighting its creative process. In a statement, the park said it has an in-house design team and that its practice is to create original art. Designers may use digital design and illustration tools, the spokesperson said, but Knott’s policy restricts the full use of artificial intelligence. The outlet also received a statement about Six Flags’ merchandise development process. The company said its merchandise is created in partnership with professional artists and designers and that its standard practice is to produce original work through a human-led design process. Six Flags added that authenticity, originality, respect for creative work, and artistic integrity are central to its approach. That statement did not specify whether artificial intelligence is used during the merchandise design process or, if so, how it may be used. The reported comments come as questions about the sourcing and production of event artwork remain connected to the removed “Inked” shirt.