Man convicted of groping Minnie Mouse

[Creekermom]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32374939/ns/travel-news/

Disney employee says she tried everything to keep his hands off her breasts

ORLANDO, Florida - A 60-year-old man has been convicted of groping a woman in a Minnie Mouse costume at Walt Disney World.

John William Moyer of Cressona, Pennsylvania, told the judge he is innocent. His son said before sentencing that his father would never inappropriately touch a woman, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

He was convicted Tuesday of misdemeanor battery and sentenced to write the victim an apology, serve 180 days probation and complete 50 hours of community service. Moyer must also pay $1,000 in court costs and possibly undergo a mental evaluation. The victim says she had to do everything possible to keep Moyer's hands off her breasts

 

[JustcallmeHappy]

 

[Hercules10]

I've been no where near Orlando.

 

[MM27]

A mouse fetish huh?

 

[Jenvenza]

I read in one article that the defense was trying to say it was just a mouse and not a girl! Really???? Unbelievable!

 

[Deb in IA]

I bet that there was alcohol involved.

 

[DebIreland]

Poor woman. That's awful. I'm glad she sought justice.

I'd hate for kids to see that thread title though - I'm not saying it shouldn't be here cause there are some very serious/tragic issues discussed on this board but this one is sure to ruin the magic. Sick perv.

 

[Feralpeg]

Sadly, this kind of thing happens often. For the most part, it is ignored. The poor CMs can't break character and are pretty much at the mercy of rude guests. The handlers are often doing line control and are not aware of what is happening.

I personally know several CMs that have been touched inappropriately and even hit. I'm glad this CM had the guts to stand up for herself!

 

[Kim&Chris]

I often feel so bad for costumed CM's for these reasons. I've seen people just go 'too far', in terms of needing to hug, kiss, etc the characters. Sad. Those CM's don't make nearly enough money to put up with that stuff.

Good for "Minnie".

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

There has to be more to this story. Not saying that the guy is innocent, but the conviction doesn't convince me, either. From another site:link...

The defense countered by saying that there were nine other people in the room, including Moyer's family and other Disney employees who are assigned to watch over the characters, and none of them witnessed anything inappropriate.

"The state wants you to believe this man, in front of all these people, molested this woman. No one saw it. It was never caught on camera," said defense attorney, Zahra Umansky.

This is a case of he said, she said, and the judge believed her. This is a man with a pristine record - never so much as a speeding ticket. He still demands that he is innocent. I saw the pictures, and they show nothing incriminating.

Not sure that I buy it...

 

[Feralpeg]

There has to be more to this story. Not saying that the guy is innocent, but the conviction doesn't convince me, either. From another site:link...This is a case of he said, she said, and the judge believed her. This is a man with a pristine record - never so much as a speeding ticket. He still demands that he is innocent. I saw the pictures, and they show nothing incriminating.

Not sure that I buy it...

But why does a 60 year old man need to put his hands on Minnie's chest? This girl had nothing to gain from this. In fact, it brings attention that Disney does not like. I also saw the pictures and he had his hands where they didn't belong. Most adults would just stand with their arm around the character's shoulders. Not this guy. Just saying...

As for the others in the room, the handlers are usually busy handling the crowds in line. I'm sure the guys family are going to side with him. He seemed to be having a good old time. This happens way too often. I'm glad he got what he deserved.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

But why does a 50 year old man need to put his hands on Minnie's chest? This girl had nothing to gain from this. In fact, it brings attention that Disney does not like. I also saw the pictures and he had his hands where they didn't belong. Most adults would just stand with their arm around the character's shoulders. Not this guy. Just saying...

It looks like he is hugging her and having fun to me. I agree that the girl had nothing to gain, but we are talking about a man with his whole family in the room. Seriously, what did he have to gain? She suggested that he held on to her breasts as she pushed him to the floor, but no one in the room noticed? She was worried about getting fired, so she "stayed in character"? But she came forward later?

I am not saying that he is innocent, because I wasn't there. But I am saying that I cannot see how he was found guilty based just on this girl's story and the pictures in light of the fact that there were many other people in the room, and none of them noticed anything untoward. There is certainly reasonable doubt.

As you said, just keeping it real...

 

[Wishing on a star]

Just looked at that photo....
His hands are SOOOO on her chest......

Might not be sexual assault.... but I'm definitely agreeing with the 'misdemeanor' conviction.

 

[Feralpeg]

It looks like he is hugging her and having fun to me. I agree that the girl had nothing to gain, but we are talking about a man with his whole family in the room. Seriously, what did he have to gain? She suggested that he held on to her breasts as she pushed him to the floor, but no one in the room noticed? She was worried about getting fired, so she "stayed in character"? But she came forward later?

I am not saying that he is innocent, because I wasn't there. But I am saying that I cannot see how he was found guilty based just on this girl's story and the pictures in light of the fact that there were many other people in the room, and none of them noticed anything untoward. There is certainly reasonable doubt.

As you said, just keeping it real...

Well, since I personally know CMs who have had similar things happen to them without anyone doing anything about it. I will tend to side with the CM. I know a girl who was punched in the stomach while playing Minnie because the guest thought it was funny. Nothing was done about it. It happens. Disney does not want this kind of publicity. CMs are NEVER supposed to break character. As it is, the girl could find her job in jeopardy. Of course, they will never say it is because of this incident, but things happen and CMs are let go. I've worked for Disney. I know a lot of CMs that work for Disney. It is not all happy times and support for the CMs.

Again...just keeping it real.

 

[threeboysmom]

Yup. I had doubts until I saw the picture. To me, that pic shows it all. His hand is definitely where it should not be, and it looks like Minnie is trying to protect her chest from his gropes.

Good for her. Glad that she had the courage to speak up about it. Sicko.

 

[DarthKTrava]

You know you're a sick perverted freak when you've gotta grope on MINNIE MOUSE!!!! SHEESH!

If you need "action" that badly, there's places where you can go and pay $$ for that... NOT at Disney.

 

[PrincessMickey]

The guy lives close to me so it's been all over the news here. When they interviewed him he said the she took it the wrong way. To me that says he did do something but he probably thought it was all in fun. Good for her for standing up for herself.

 

[donnajon]

If you look at that picture closely, you'll see Mickey's hand on the guy's shoulder like he is coming over to help. It is definitely Mickey's outreached hand and Minnie looks like she is trying to cover herself.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Sadly, this kind of thing happens often. For the most part, it is ignored. The poor CMs can't break character and are pretty much at the mercy of rude guests. The handlers are often doing line control and are not aware of what is happening.

I personally know several CMs that have been touched inappropriately and even hit. I'm glad this CM had the guts to stand up for herself!

Sadly, this happens more often than people realize. I have been hit on by a drunk guy at 9:00am (you could smell the alcohol on him.) Thank God my attendant made up an excuse and we left. Another time a guest lifted up my shirt.

I have been full out punched in the back of the head and in the gut, and smacked upside the head more times than I care to recall. The punch in the back of the head was the worst, I had a migraine the whole day. We have had groups ambush characters and try to remove costume pieces.

I don't know what it is that makes people lose their minds, but they do. 99% of the guests are wonderful, but those few bad ones really do stick out in your mind, and can do a lot of damage! I'm so glad that something was done about this man. Too often by the time the attendant realizes what has happened the person has already left- or the attendants may not know what to do and so nothing is done.

 

[KinPA]

Good Morning! First off let me start by saying I LOVE the DIS!! I also love everything about Disney. I have only been there 6 times, but we are on the every 2yr plan and I wish it could be more. I have been "lurking" on here for a few years now always afraid to write in...I'm not comfortable having my opinions "out there".But now I guess it is time to stop being afraid to say stuff, right? OK here it goes...the man convicted of groping this girl is my father in law.I have known him for 20yrs and this was ABSOLUTELY unintentional. He lost his wife 1/12 yrs ago after having MS for 20yrs, his father died less than 1yr ago. My BIL and his family finally convinced him to take a vacation with them and he agreed. This was his first trip to Disney and it happened on the 2nd day they were there. He was taken to the office in MK and had no idea why for a while till they showed him the picture.
He was mortified! He asked to apologize but was not allowed. He was then taken to OC Correc Center without his family knowing where he was. My husband and I had to go on the comp in PA to tell my BIL that he was booked and charged with battery. Anyway, I understand this woman felt strongly enough that something bad happened to put herself through this, but there is also someone else whose life is ruined. He has already been convicted by judge, jury, and strangers, but his family loves him very much and I guess I just have to finally do this for him. Alcohol was not involved. He has been known to have a 6 pack in his fridge fo 6months; He also has a companion at home, so he had no reason to grope someone dressed as Minnie Mouse. And his 2 young grandchildren were watching him. Well, there I did it..my first post. It was hard but not too bad. I know I won't change everyone's mind, but it is something I had to do. I hope I don't get jumped on tooooooo much, because I really would like to stay a member of these boards and join in a few "lighter" discussions. Thank you for taking all this time to read this.