Public Outrage After White Teacher Refers to Black Pupil as “Monkey” During Birthday Song

A viral video showing a white teacher leading a birthday chant that referred to a 6-year-old Black pupil as a “black monkey who lives in the zoo” has sparked widespread outrage online, with many condemning the act as racially offensive and emotionally harmful.

A disturbing video making the rounds on social media has sparked widespread outrage after a white teacher was filmed leading a birthday song for a 6-year-old Black pupil — repeatedly calling him a “black monkey who lives in the zoo.”

In the footage, the child sits quietly as his classmates, some laughing, chant along. While the teacher may have intended the song as playful, the language has been widely condemned as racially offensive and deeply inappropriate for a classroom setting.

Backlash Over Racist Language in Classroom

Social media users were quick to call out the teacher’s actions, stressing the psychological harm that such language can have on children — especially when coming from authority figures.

One commenter questioned, “Disrespecting a child and calling him a legend at the same time. What kind of ‘legend’ is that?”

Another added, “Yes, this song existed when we were younger, but that doesn’t make it right. She should have known better — this is plain racism.”

Social Media Reactions Pour In

The incident has ignited broader discussions about racial bias in education, particularly how casual racism often gets overlooked. Many pointed out the contrasting reactions in the room: while some white students laughed, Black pupils appeared visibly uncomfortable.

“That little boy didn’t smile once. He looked hurt. This is how trauma starts,” one viewer noted.

Another reflected: “In Africa, angels wear white, and devils wear black — we’re taught that from childhood. That mindset runs deep. I just hope this child heals and that the teacher is held accountable.”