Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
Man Allegedly Gropes Disney Princess While Posing For Magic Kingdom Photo With Wife
Brian Sherman, a registered sex offender, allegedly left the Walt Disney World employee “shaking and crying.”
A Florida man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly groping a Disney employee dressed as a princess, all while posing for a photo with his wife.
Brian Sherman, a 51-year-old Orlando resident and registered sex offender, was taken into custody on Saturday, November 2, on a battery charge after the alleged incident, which took place at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
An arrest affidavit states that Sherman and his wife stopped for a photo with a park employee dressed as a princess at around noon that day; Sherman allegedly grew “very excited” and told the employee that the princess she was dressed as was his favorite before placing his arm around her for the photo, according to the outlet.
Sherman and his wife sat on either side of the victim, and although she was “immediately uncomfortable” with Sherman touching her — visitors are not allowed to touch employees — she was unable to get away, authorities said, according to the New York Post. Sherman is then alleged to have placed his right hand on her right breast, and groped her breast with his forefinger and thumb — with only “thin, skin-tight fabric” between his hand and her skin — for approximately three to four seconds, the affidavit reportedly states.
After that, Sherman then posed for another photo with his arm around the victim’s shoulder, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
When Sherman finally left the meet and greet area, the room was closed off to additional visitors and the victim began “shaking and crying,” the affidavit reportedly states. Authorities were able to later positively identify Sherman using the photos he took with the victim, according to the New York Post.
The affidavit does not identify which character the victim was dressed as at the time of the alleged incident in order to protect her identity.
Sherman was processed at the Orange County Jail, but released after posting a $500 bond, the Post reports. He is a registered sex offender, having been convicted in 1991 of sexual battery of a victim under the age of 12, according to court records obtained by the outlet.
Sherman did not respond to the Orlando Sentinel’s request for comment. Similarly, NBC News did not immediately hear back after reaching out to both Sherman and his wife.
The Walt Disney Company stressed the importance of employee safety in a statement obtained by NBC News.
“Orange County Sheriff’s Office was on site and immediately stepped in, and this is now a law enforcement matter,” its statement reads. “Everyone should feel safe at work, and we encourage Cast Members to come forward in any uncomfortable situation.”
