Update: It emerged later on after this article was published that it was a Cast Member who had been dressed as Princess Ariel that was allegedly groped. The incident itself took place at Ariel’s Grotto in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Original Article: Records said Sherman was convicted in 1991 of sexual battery on a victim under 12 in Polk County. To be confirmed!
A 51-year-old man from Orlando was arrested on a battery charge this past Saturday after groping a Cast Member dressed as a princess at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
At around 12:10pm Saturday (2nd November), Brian Sherman and his wife were posing for pictures with the woman when Sherman became “very excited”, an arrest affidavit said.
Sherman yelled that the character was his favourite before putting his arm around her and groping her breast, the arrest affidavit said.
Witnesses said the victim was “unable to move” and looked visibly uncomfortable as Sherman wrapped his arm around her.
Cast Member co-workers (character handlers) encouraged Sherman to pose differently before he groped her.
Sherman “cupped and lifted the victim’s right breast for around 3 to 4 seconds” with only thin fabric separating his hand from the victim’s skin, the arrest affidavit said. Sherman then posed for another photo with his arm around her shoulders.
The photos captured by the Disney photographer were later used to identify Sherman. A character handler and the photographer provided statements to OCSO’s.
The meet and greet location was then closed following the incident, according to the arrest affidavit. The victim said she wanted Sherman to be prosecuted and would testify in court.
The affidavit didn’t reveal what character the victim was portraying. Sherman was booked into the Orange County Jail on a battery charge. Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more updates on this story.
Source/Mugshot Credit: The Orlando Sentinel
