White Teacher's Birthday Song Tribute to Black Student Leads to Investigation Because Of It's Offensive Nature

A viral video features a teacher singing a controversial rendition of "Happy Birthday" to a Black child, prompting varied reactions online. The footage depicts 6-year-old Legend, surrounded by his white peers, as the educator initiates the traditional birthday celebration. Upon concluding the original song, she asks Legend if he desires the "funny song" she performs. With enthusiasm, Legend nods, leading to the teacher's jazzy version: “Happy Birthday to you, you live in a zoo. You look like a monkey, and you smell like one, too.” This incident transpired at Floral Elementary School in Bartow, Florida, with Legend's mother confirming the teacher's ethnicity. The school district is currently examining the footage.The clip has been widely circulated, attracting millions of views. Many viewers speculate on the teacher's intentions, debating whether her choice reflected insensitivity or an innocent reference to a song from the film "Madagascar." (Photo: TikTok/ Zettaloaf)