After the incident, Disneyland staff promptly intervened, halting the man and helping the actor regain their composure and exit the area. - Photo: X.com
SHANGHAI: A tourist in China assaulted an actor portraying Winnie the Pooh at Shanghai Disneyland, leading to a fall and sparking widespread outrage on the mainland internet.
A middle-aged man was captured on video knocking the Disney character to the ground during a viral moment on social media on September 22.
As the Winnie the Pooh actor paraded around Disneyland, the man rushed out and slapped the actor on the head, causing the performer to immediately collapse, clutching their head and unable to rise.
Disneyland staff quickly intervened, stopping the man and assisting the actor in regaining their composure and leaving the area.
A female visitor, surnamed Wu, shared with the mainland media outlet The Paper that everyone present at the scene “heard a loud thud”.
She noted that many tourists scolded the man at the time, while staff addressed his behaviour.
Wu expressed her concern, stating: “It’s very heartbreaking. I hope Disneyland takes this incident seriously and that visitors learn to respect performers.”
On September 23, a female visitor using the username “Cute Tiger” posted a video indicating that she visited Disneyland to check on Winnie the Pooh and was informed that the actor was physically unharmed.
Shanghai Disneyland confirmed that the staff member sustained no serious injuries, and the tourist has been dealt with, although the specifics of the resolution will not be disclosed.
They added that since characters must interact closely with guests, there are no barriers, and the park does not plan to change its policies.
Shanghai Disneyland’s official visitor guidelines explicitly state that assaulting performers is prohibited, but they do not specify particular penalties for such behaviour.
Fu Jian, a lawyer from Henan Zejin Law Firm, told Xiaoxiang Morning Post that if the actor was injured, the man could be liable for medical and emotional damages.
Law enforcement may also impose warnings, fines, or administrative detention for public disorder.
Fu suggested that tourists who exhibit uncivil or unlawful behaviour should be banned from entering the park.
Additionally, the headgear may not be the cushioned protective helmet it appears to be.
Online sources indicate that Disney’s headgear is constructed from hard materials, containing heavy metal frameworks to support head movements.
Huang Jia, a PhD student from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, pointed out in a popular science article that striking the headgear poses risks of concussion or eardrum perforation for the performers.
Online reactions have been sympathetic.
“These incidents of tourists attacking performers often go unresolved. Disneyland should protect its staff,” commented one user.
Another expressed empathy for the performers, acknowledging the physical toll they endure: “I feel so sorry for them. They endure high temperatures and heavy, hot costumes while maintaining enthusiasm to portray their characters.”
This is not the first time that Disneyland staff has been the victim of a physical attack.
In January 2023, a visitor struck the head of the character Lingna Belle at Shanghai Disneyland, leading to the performer experiencing vomiting and dizziness. - South China Morning Post
