No Charges Yet In Stabbing At Picnic, No Link To Blackface Performance: Oak Forest PD

OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest police on Tuesday declined to give any additional information on a stabbing at a charity picnic last month, saying only that charges are still pending, the City said in an email.

Police Chief Scott Durano did clarify that there is no link between the stabbing and a performance that included blackface at the Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta Piknik. The picnic was held at the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, 5900 W. 147th St., in Oak Forest.

"The blackface performance and the stabbing at the Wanta picnic were two separate incidents," Durano said.

One person was in custody July 20 after a 22-year-old man was stabbed multiple times late the night of the event. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said in a release. Police have not released the age and sex of the person in custody, or if the two were known to each other.

The stabbing was not linked at all to the performance that included actors portrayed in blackface, Durano said.

In the skit, a re-enactment of a scene from the film "Sister Act" included actors in blackface, dancing and lip-syncing to gospel music. In a video shared of the performance, one participant also showed a costume with padding underneath to create the appearance of a a large buttocks. The audience is seen filming and taking photos; the performance drew backlash online, as videos of it spread via social media.

Hinsdale-based Baumert Law, representing the organizers Malo Wanta and Wanta Mlode Pokolenie, issued a statement on their behalf Monday. A representative from the law offices confirmed the statement, which was issued by attorney Michael Baumert.

"The performers involved are primarily children, members of a youth ensemble, whose intent was solely to present an enthusiastic and lighthearted interpretation of a well-known musical scene," the statement reads. "At no point did these young performers, their families, or the organizers intend to insult, ridicule, or harm the feelings or dignity of anyone."

Read the full statement.

Amid public outcry around the performance, the City of Oak Forest and Oak Forest Park District both issued statements last week, distancing themselves from the performance and the organization.

"The City of Oak Forest is deeply disturbed by the performance," the City of Oak Forest said. "While the picnic was a permitted event, it was not a city-sponsored event; the event was held on private property by a non-public entity. This incredibly insensitive performance does not reflect the values, beliefs or ideals of our community."

The Oak Forest Park District on Friday also issued a response. The property on which the picnic was held is owned by the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict.

"In response to the extremely insensitive performance ... we wish to clarify that the Oak Forest Park District is entirely independent and has no affiliation, partnership, or collaborative relationship with the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, who permitted this event," the statement reads. "We do not co-sponsor, coordinate, or jointly host any programs or events with this or any religious organization."