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Outrage At Disneyland Paris As Authorities Arrest Four For Staged Fake Wedding Between Adult And Child

swati kumari
24 Jun 2025 11:40 AM

A disturbing and deeply unsettling incident at Disneyland Paris has sent shockwaves across the world after French authorities arrested four individuals over an alleged attempt to stage a fake wedding between a 22-year-old British man and a 9-year-old Ukrainian girl. The event was set to take place on Saturday morning at the globally beloved amusement park, which had been privately hired before its regular public opening hours. Staff at Disneyland Paris quickly raised concerns when they noticed that the “bride” appeared alarmingly young, prompting immediate action and police intervention.

According to reports from The Independent, the supposed groom is believed to have orchestrated the entire event. Authorities revealed that the gathering was disguised as a "wedding rehearsal" and involved approximately 300 people, including both adults and children. Advertisements had reportedly sought 200 adult and 100 child participants, suggesting that the event had been promoted as a legitimate occasion or even a film shoot. However, the details provided to participants were deliberately vague, and many guests were reportedly unaware of what the event truly entailed.

Alexandre Verney, assistant prosecutor for the Seine-et-Marne department, confirmed the arrest of four individuals in connection with the incident. These include the 22-year-old British man who acted as the groom and presumed organiser, the 41-year-old mother of the child, who is a Ukrainian national, and two Latvian nationals aged 24 and 55. Charges against them vary, with ongoing investigations into potential child endangerment, money laundering, and fraud.

Authorities acted swiftly after the child was examined by medical professionals and determined to be physically unharmed. Nevertheless, the nature of the event has raised serious concerns about the safety, well-being, and exploitation of minors in orchestrated ceremonies masquerading as legitimate or artistic ventures. The child’s mother and the 55-year-old Latvian suspect were later released, but both the British man and the 24-year-old Latvian remain in custody as investigations into financial fraud continue.

What is even more alarming is that the so-called “wedding guests” were reportedly hired actors who had been bused into the park with limited knowledge of the event’s purpose. Verney clarified that the entire gathering had been marketed as a wedding shoot and that Disneyland Paris had been told it was a legitimate private wedding ceremony. Upon learning the truth about the young age of the “bride,” Disneyland Paris authorities immediately cancelled the event.

Witnesses described their horror and disbelief when they realised the girl was a child. “We were not told at any time that it was about a film shoot. We all thought we were going to be part of a wedding,” one participant told the media. Others expressed deep disgust, applauding Disneyland Paris staff for their quick action in halting the event and contacting law enforcement. “Everyone was stunned. No one expected this. Disneyland does things very well. They immediately cancelled when they understood that the bride was a kid. We were sickened by that,” the witness added.

While the event was allegedly pitched as a theatrical or cinematic production, officials are sceptical of that claim. They point out that the hired extras were misled, that there was no film crew documentation filed, and that the groom’s involvement suggests more sinister motivations. Further investigations are probing whether the incident was an elaborate scheme to launder money or exploit child marriage loopholes under the guise of performance art or a publicity stunt.

This case underscores serious concerns regarding the misuse of venues, exploitation of minors, and the lengths to which individuals may go to stage controversial or criminal events under false pretences. Disneyland Paris, a symbol of childhood joy and family-friendly entertainment, is now embroiled in an incident that challenges the boundaries between art, consent, and criminality.

Authorities in France have pledged a thorough investigation, including a deeper dive into how the venue was booked and whether there was deliberate misinformation during the booking process. The park has reiterated its strict policies regarding private events and has vowed to review internal procedures to ensure such an incident is never repeated.

The case also puts a spotlight on international child protection laws and the need for more stringent vetting of private events involving children, especially at high-profile locations. Legal experts are weighing in on the implications of using performance as a loophole for unacceptable conduct, stressing that artistic intent cannot and should not override the moral and legal obligation to protect children.

For now, the investigation continues, and the accused remain under scrutiny. But the incident at Disneyland Paris is a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of minors and the vigilance required to protect them—even in the most seemingly innocent of places.

Reference From: www.ndtv.com

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