A Walt Disney World guest has been arrested and charged with battery after allegedly groping a female cast member during a photo op, the Orange County Sheriff's Office has confirmed.
Fifty-one-year-old Brian Sherman was visiting the Magic Kingdom park with his wife on Saturday when they decided to visit his "favorite" princess for a photo opportunity at 12:10pm. During the character interaction, Sherman repeated told the female cast member that she was his "favorite", as the couple sat either side of her.
Then, per a police report obtained by Fox News, Sherman "placed his right arm around" her shoulder, making her "immediately uncomfortable". As her co-worker was tending to the other guests waiting in line, Sherman allegedly lowered his arm until he was cupping the cast member's bra.
Other members of staff reportedly told Sherman to pose in a different way so he would not be touching the 'princess'. However, before adhering to their advice, Sherman moved his hand under the woman's costume and cupped her breast with his right forefinger and thumb. "Only the thin skin-tight fabric" separated his hand and her skin, police said.
After the official Disney PhotoPass photographer took the pictures, employees were able to trace his pass in order to identify the man to law enforcement. Once Sherman left, the 'princess' "began shaking and crying" and the grotto area was closed immediately.
After police officers were called to the scene, the cast member reported the incident, which she said lasted roughly four seconds, and police officers were called to the scene. Sherman was later arrested and charged with battery.
In a statement to Fox News, a Disney World spokesperson said police handled the incident as soon as it was brought to their attention:
“Orange County Sheriff’s Office was on site and immediately stepped in, and this is now a law enforcement matter. Everyone should feel safe at work, and we encourage Cast Members to come forward in any uncomfortable situation."
According to reports, the cast member plans to press charges and is willing to testify in court.
