The Times Square Cookie Monster Is Really a Monster

All for $2.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Yesterday, we told you about the man in Times Square who was arrested for pushing a two-year-old while arguing with the boy's mother over $2, all while dressed as Cookie Monster. Now, more details from horrific display have emerged. The woman is Bollywood actress Parmita Kurada, and the conflict began when Kurada didn't tip 33-year-old Osvaldo Quiroz Lopez as quick as he would've liked after Lopez posed for a photo with her son, Samay.

The impatient Lopez began to berate Kurada, reportedly saying "you are a bitch, your son is a bastard and your stuff is trash," before shoving the little boy to the ground. Kurada's husband, who went in search of an ATM, came back to find his wife arguing with Cookie monster and his son in tears, screaming "I don’t like Cookie Monster! I don’t like Cookie Monster!" He sought police, who arrested Lopez and charged him with endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment and being aggressive in a public place.

The group of costumed characters in Times Square continued to harass the Kurada family. Just as soon as police whisked Lopez away, someone in a Dora the Explorer costume was pestering them for money.

This type of aggressive begging is an issue according to Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins. "(Some) hold onto kids until they get their tip. Everybody’s concerned about this, and they’re trying to find a thoughtful way to respond that respects free speech and addresses real concerns about public safety."

It sounds like the safest thing to do is avoid these "adored" children's characters when strolling through Times Square with your family. 

[via Gothamist]

RELATED: A Brief History of Children's Characters Getting Arrested

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