ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 7) - A Walt Disney World employee dressed as the character "Tigger" was accused of hitting a child while posing for a photo, a spokeswoman for the theme park said Saturday.
Park officials temporarily suspended Michael J. Fedelem while they investigate the accusations, Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez said.
"Naturally, physical altercations between cast members and guests are not tolerated," Suarez said.
Jerry Monaco of New Hampshire videotapped his son, Jerry Jr., posing with the costumed character at Disney-MGM Studios on Friday and recorded the confrontation, according to a statement from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The father said Fedelem intentionally hit his son "on or about the head," said sheriff's spokesman Carlos M. Padilla. "The tape only shows a fraction of what happened. Now it's up to us to find out what led up to that."
message left by The Associated Press for Monaco was not immediately returned. A telephone listing for Fedelem could not be located.
In 2004 a Walt Disney World employee dressed as Tigger was accused of touching the breast of a 13-year-old girl while she posed with him for a photo. A jury found the man not guilty.
I've always wondered how long until a person stuck in one of those costumes finally snapped...
I saw the video.
It's not just being blown out of proportion. This is almost Jack Thompson levels here.
Welcome to America: land of victims, PC, and lawsuits! 
He must have really hit him hard to be even near Jack Thompson levels o0 can you link to this video?
No no no. You misunderstand.
I'm saying the RESPONSE to nothing more than playful jabbing is of Jack Thompson levels.
Tigger: *playful jab to Jerry Jr. the TEENAGER*
Jerry Sr.: SECURITY!!! >:O
And I saw this on TV, so no video for you.
Yeah, this is insane.
This wasn't an attack. It wasn't even a minor altercation.
This was a guy in a mascot costume playfully pantomiming punching someone.
The fact that this even merits legal attention is profoundly retarded.
Isn't the "kid" like, 14?...
Found an easy to view video of it.
They make it sound like it was some 5 year old geting maliciously bopped on the head, but it really was an angsty teen getting playfully punched in the face?
"He hit me pretty hard. I can still feel it, even though he was wearing paddled gloves"
LOL! I've got one word to say about this boy.
p****!
Quote:
"He hit me pretty hard. I can still feel it, even though he was wearing paddled gloves"
LOL! I've got one word to say about this boy.
p****!
Pansy? =P
But, lolz at the man. "Disney is supposed to be a safe place."
If you cant' trust Disney, then who can you trust?
The really sad part is that they'll probably win this case.
That's disgusting. At most, he tapped him on the cheek. Come on, America, this is embarassing.
But we americans don't give a care. WE WANT MONEY AND DRUGS!
"Don't touch Tigger, man" indeed. You mess with the Tigger, you get the tail.
Eh, that phrase doesn't really work in this situation, but it's sure catchy!
But fo'seriously. The way Tigger was grabbing at his own neck beforehand, it's like the kid was strangling him. Of course Tigger wouldn't just punch the kid in the face for no reason. I mean he works at Disney World, he must be rollin' in da bucks! Right? Because the world of Disney has monies?
Anywho, when I heard about the story, I pictured it a bit like GT did - Tigger squatting down next to a five-year-old, then smashing him in the face. Not some punky teenager in a muscle shirt getting lightly bopped. 😮
I hope the case goes over well. But the dad fit for a soap opera sure won't help the situation. But he should make it interesting!
It is bad looking enough for the media to make a fuss of it, that's a given. It is therefor an oppourtunity to sue and make money!
That kid will forever look like a @#%$.
But he'll be a rich @#%$.
