A Brazilian man has been banned for life from all Walt Disney World properties following an incident of alleged assault involving a Disney cast member at EPCOT. Diego Rodriguez, 42, is facing charges stemming from an altercation that occurred on 21 April, during his visit with his family.
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According to an arrest affidavit obtained by multiple news outlets, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:15 p.m. when Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the park due to reports of a potential battery. Rodriguez was accused of forcibly grabbing and shaking a female cast member who was acting as a character assistant for the iconic Disney character Mirabel from the film *Encanto*.
Witnesses reported that Rodriguez’s child attempted to hug Mirabel while she was already engaged with another group of guests. The character assistant intervened to maintain order, explaining to Rodriguez and his family that they would need to wait their turn to meet the beloved character. This approach, however, was met with hostility from Rodriguez.
The affidavit states that after being informed twice that his child could not rush the character, Rodriguez allegedly seized the assistant’s arm, shaking her while shouting in frustration over the situation. Another cast member present during the incident claimed that she saw Rodriguez yelling aggressively, questioning the reason why his family was not permitted to take a photograph with Mirabel, unlike others in the area.
Responding to the growing disruption, a fellow cast member alerted security personnel. Rodriguez was subsequently escorted to the EPCOT security office for questioning. During the investigation, he was read his Miranda rights and taken into custody, charged with battery.
As a result of the incident, Rodriguez was officially trespassed from all Walt Disney World locations, permanently prohibited from returning. Court records revealed that he was released on 23 April after posting a bond of $2,000. Following his release, Rodriguez entered a plea of not guilty on 29 April and has since requested a trial by jury. He currently faces a charge of first-degree misdemeanor battery.
Rodriguez’s attorney has not yet commented on the case, nor has Walt Disney World issued an official statement regarding the incident. This event highlights concerns not only about guest behaviour at popular tourist destinations but also the challenges faced by employees tasked with managing crowd interactions and maintaining a safe environment for all visitors.
As news of the incident spreads, it serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and respect in crowded public spaces, particularly in a setting as cherished as Disney World.