Popular amusement park closes 'offensive' attraction
Knott's Berry Farm announced Tuesday that they are shutting down a popular attraction after it caused concern among mental health advocates.
The attraction, Fear VR, portrays a girl who is possessed as a part of a virtual reality horror show.
Mental health activists, including popular pastor Rick Warron and his wife, wrote an email to the park and its parent company, Cedar Fair, claiming that the horror show stigmatizes and denigrates individuals with mental illnesses.
Knott's Berry Farm is renowned for its evening attractions during the Halloween seasons, which are, as they said in a statement, "designed to be edgy, and are aimed at an adult-only audience."
A spokesperson added that it was never intended to portray mental illness.
Since the Halloween season is so busy, Cedar Fair decided to shut the whole attraction down at three of its locations -- Buena Park, California's Great America in Santa Clara and Canada's Wonderland near Toronto.
The original title of the attraction was "FearVR: 5150." The number refers to a section of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, which authorizes a professional to confine a person suspected of a mental disorder that makes them a danger to themselves or others.
The story of the immersive ride follows a girl named Katie who shows up at a medical facility.
Mental health advocates said they are very pleased the ride shut down, according to The Sun.
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