Man arrested at Disneyland Paris after alleged fake wedding with 9-year-old for video stunt
A shocking incident at the happiest place on Earth has left visitors and authorities deeply disturbed after a British man attempted to orchestrate what he claims was a "fake wedding ceremony" with a minor at Disneyland Paris.
According to People, a 22-year-old British man was arrested on June 21 after attempting to stage a wedding ceremony with a 9-year-old girl in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland Paris.
The disturbing event came to light when alert Disneyland Paris employees noticed something very wrong with a pre-scheduled wedding ceremony - the bride appeared to be a child. Park staff immediately notified authorities, leading to swift action from local law enforcement.
Shocking Details of the Planned Ceremony Emerge
The British man allegedly hired actors to pose as wedding guests, who were bused into the theme park with minimal information about the event they would be participating in. The elaborate scheme involved multiple participants who were seemingly unaware of the true nature of the ceremony.
The suspect claimed the wedding was meant to be a social media stunt, telling authorities it was intended to be filmed and shared online. This explanation has done little to quell concerns about the underlying motives behind staging such a disturbing scenario.
Investigation revealed that the "wedding guests" were paid performers who had been given very limited information about the nature of the event they were hired to attend. This suggests a deliberate attempt to obscure the true nature of the planned ceremony.
Multiple Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
French authorities took four individuals into custody following the incident: the British "groom," the child's 41-year-old Ukrainian mother, and two Latvian nationals aged 24 and 55. The arrests highlight the international nature of this troubling case.
Alexandre Verney, assistant prosecutor for Seine-et-Marne département, confirmed that medical examination showed the child was physically unharmed. The prosecutor's office has since released the child's mother and the 55-year-old Latvian suspect.
The British man and the 24-year-old Latvian remain in custody as investigators explore potential financial fraud charges. The nature of their relationship and the full scope of their involvement are still under investigation.
Witnesses Express Horror at Child Marriage Attempt
Attendees who spoke to French newspaper Le Parisien described their shock upon realizing the true nature of the event. Many had arrived expecting to participate in a normal wedding ceremony.
One witness praised Disneyland Paris's swift response, noting that park management immediately canceled the ceremony upon discovering the bride's age. The park's quick action likely prevented the situation from escalating further.
The incident has sparked widespread concern about child exploitation and the use of public venues for potentially criminal activities. Disneyland Paris has not yet publicly commented on the incident or any potential changes to their event booking procedures.
Why This Story Matters
This case highlights the growing influence of social media at the cost of safety and ethics. Staged content like this can pose real risks when minors are involved. It also shows how vigilant staff and the general public play a key role in spotting warning signs.
Without fast action, such situations can spiral quickly. Perhaps most importantly, it reminds communities that even trusted spaces like theme parks are not immune to strange or dangerous activity, and that security must remain a priority regardless of the setting.
In conclusion, a troubling incident at Disneyland Paris involving a 22-year-old British man attempting to stage a fake wedding with a 9-year-old girl was halted before it could unfold. The stunt, suspected to have been designed for a social media video, resulted in multiple arrests and raised serious concerns about how easily manipulation, fraud, and exploitation can take place in a public setting. Authorities acted swiftly, the child was found to be physically unharmed, and two of the accused remain under investigation for potential financial fraud.