In a disturbing incident that has left Disney World visitors and staff shocked, what should have been a magical photo opportunity turned into a nightmare for one Disney princess performer.
And yes, this really happened while the perpetrator’s wife was sitting right there.
What Went Down At The Most Magical Place On Earth
A 51-year-old Florida man named Brian Sherman decided to visit Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando with his wife.
But instead of enjoying the rides or soaking in the atmosphere, Sherman allegedly decided to do something completely inappropriate during a character meet-and-greet.
The Creepy Encounter
According to the arrest affidavit, Sherman was “very excited” upon seeing the princess, repeatedly telling her she was his “favorite.”
While the specific character’s identity was redacted from official documents to protect the victim, the incident took place at the “grotto” – a location famously known for Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” meet-and-greets.
Here’s Where It Gets Even More Disturbing
Sherman and his wife positioned themselves in a way that left the princess performer physically trapped between them.
Despite Disney’s strict training about guests not touching performers, Sherman reportedly put his arm around her shoulder, making her “immediately uncomfortable” but unable to move away.
Even as two co-workers tried to intervene, Sherman allegedly “cupped and lifted” the performer’s right breast for “approximately three to four seconds,” with only the character’s thin costume fabric between them.
After Sherman left, the victim was found “shaking and crying.”
The Plot Twist That Makes This Even Worse
Sherman isn’t just any random guest.
He’s actually a registered sex offender who was previously convicted of sexually battering a victim under 12 in 1991.
The photos taken during the meet-and-greet were later used to identify him.
Sherman was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail on a battery charge.
He was later released on a $500 bond, which has many people questioning whether that’s sufficient given his history and the nature of the incident.
While Disney does train their performers on appropriate guest interactions, this case shows how quickly situations can escalate, even with other staff members present.