Camilla Jessen
A $150,000 social media stunt at Disneyland Paris led to four arrests.
A private event at Disneyland Paris took an unexpected turn on June 21, when staff and guests discovered that a staged “wedding” was actually between a 22-year-old British man and a 9-year-old Ukrainian girl.
The ceremony, set in a cordoned-off area near Sleeping Beauty’s castle, had been pitched as a lavish wedding celebration.
Around 300 attendees—including many hired extras—gathered in what appeared to be a legitimate event.
But when the young girl arrived in a bridal gown and high heels taped to her feet, staff grew suspicious and alerted authorities.
According to Le Parisien, the girl appeared frightened and confused. Within moments, the supposed wedding was halted, and French police intervened.
A Stunt With Serious Consequences
Prosecutors say the event was presented to Disneyland as a legitimate celebration but was actually a $150,000 social media stunt orchestrated by a man already on the UK’s sex offender registry.
Assistant prosecutor Alexandre Verney described it as a “staged wedding,” adding that even the extras were unaware of the ceremony’s disturbing nature.
The suspect reportedly used fake documents to rent the Disneyland venue and misrepresented himself as a Latvian national.
He had paid for exclusive use of part of the park before opening hours, but Disneyland canceled the event as soon as staff realized the “bride” was a child.
Disneyland Paris has confirmed it is fully cooperating with investigators and canceled the transaction immediately after spotting irregularities.
Arrests and Charges
The 22-year-old British man, who was wanted in the UK for failing to comply with sex offender registration rules, was arrested at the scene. Prosecutor Jean-Baptiste Bladier confirmed his identity and status.
Three additional people were arrested: a 24-year-old Latvian woman, a 41-year-old Ukrainian woman (believed to be the girl’s mother), and a 55-year-old Latvian man. All were linked to planning or facilitating the event.
Following a medical exam, authorities confirmed the child had not been subjected to physical or sexual abuse.
But French prosecutors emphasized that the psychological harm and coercive nature of the situation remain central to the investigation.
The suspect has since been charged with fraud, breach of trust, identity theft, and money laundering.
Continued Investigation
On June 24, French authorities confirmed formal charges against the British national.
Disneyland Paris stated it was deceived by forged documents and expressed its full support for the ongoing legal proceedings.
Investigators are now working to determine the full scope of the operation and whether others were involved.
The girl had reportedly arrived in France just two days before the planned event, and authorities are still piecing together how she was brought into the country.
