Donald Duck Alleged To Have Groped Woman At Theme Park
Donald Duck has been acting in a strange manner at the Orlando based Walt Disney World, and is now facing civil allegations as a result. The popular theme park is facing a federal lawsuit seeking more than $200,000 in damages after a Pennsylvania woman claimed a person in a Donald Duck costume groped her breast two years ago.
April Magolon said she was visiting Epcot Center in May 2008 when she approached Donald Duck for an autograph, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that "Donald Duck proceeded to grab (Magolon’s) breast and molest her and then made gestures making a joke indicating he had done something wrong.” "(Disney) has engaged in a practice of placing corporate profits over public safety while attempting to cover up continuing, long-standing similar prior incidents."
Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said Thursday that "we’ve now seen plaintiff’s complaint and will respond appropriately in court."
The spokesman said he could not, at this time, say with any certainly who was the employee inside the Donald Duck suit on the day in question.
Magolon is suing Disney for negligence, battery, negligent infliction of emotional distress and intentional and reckless infliction of emotional distress.
She is seeking more than $50,000 in damages for each count. Interestingly, the lawsuit also states the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has received 24 complaints alleging similar acts by costumed characters since 2004.
