Man convicted of groping Minnie Mouse

[The Mystery Machine]

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.

I don't know what to believe but the picture looks inappropriate to me.

 

[pogo791]

KinPA, welcome to the DIS. Sorry your first post had to be about something like this, but it's good to hear more from one side to this case.

I don't doubt that the CM felt that she had been touched inappropriately, and she was in her rights to take it to court. However, it's a pity some other way to resolve the situation couldn't have been found.

 

[Kim&Chris]

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.

Agreed. NO need whatsoever for his hand to be across her chest. I agree that Minnie is trying to remove, or move, his hand.

 

[diznygirl]

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.

Personally don't care about his sob story - he was completely out of line.

 

[Robinrs]

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...

I remember being groped by fully clothed Hassidic rabbis in NY, anything with testorone has the ability to do that in my world. Why would she make it up?

Another case of the victim being victimized all over again.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

There are a lot of people who just don't get it. This man was convicted of a crime based on the testimony of a single girl, when there were many other people in the room who say they saw nothing. People see things in the picture that just are not there. One said that they saw Mickey coming to her aide in the picture, but the person in that costume says that he saw nothing - noticed nothing untoward when they were in the room. You see what you want to see in pictures like this. If someone had told you that this was just a picture of their husband with Minnie, you would never have thought, "Wow, he is groping her!"

Now someone from his family comes forward and offers more information, but it is to be ignored because a girl from WDW made this claim? Isn't it possible that this was an accidental touching with no ill intent and that the girl over-reacted? Because she works at WDW, she is above reproach? She is incapable of making a mistake? I guess not.

For all of your sakes, I hope that one of your sons is never falsely accused of inappropriate contact with a female, because when it is her word against his, he is going to jail. That is not justice - that is just plain wrong. It happens all too often in America. It reminds me of a time when blacks, accused by whites, were automatically guilty...

 

[Hercules10]

Why in the world would anyone feel up someone in a costume when you can't even tell if it's male or female in there?

 

[Tiggerlover91]

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.

Wow. Brave post. Good luck.

 

[Kim&Chris]

There are a lot of people who just don't get it. This man was convicted of a crime based on the testimony of a single girl, when there were many other people in the room who say they saw nothing. People see things in the picture that just are not there. One said that they saw Mickey coming to her aide in the picture, but the person in that costume says that he saw nothing - noticed nothing untoward when they were in the room. You see what you want to see in pictures like this. If someone had told you that this was just a picture of their husband with Minnie, you would never have thought, "Wow, he is groping her!"

Now someone from his family comes forward and offers more information, but it is to be ignored because a girl from WDW made this claim? Isn't it possible that this was an accidental touching with no ill intent and that the girl over-reacted? Because she works at WDW, she is above reproach? She is incapable of making a mistake? I guess not.

For all of your sakes, I hope that one of your sons is never falsely accused of inappropriate contact with a female, because when it is her word against his, he is going to jail. That is not justice - that is just plain wrong. It happens all too often in America. It reminds me of a time when blacks, accused by whites, were automatically guilty...

Seriously, are you looking at the same picture the rest of us are?

Would your opinion be different if he had've done the SAME thing to one of the princesses or any face character?

His hand is clearly on her chest, and she is clearly trying to move it!

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Seriously, are you looking at the same picture the rest of us are?

Would your opinion be different if he had've done the SAME thing to one of the princesses or any face character?

His hand is clearly on her chest, and she is clearly trying to move it!

Yes, I am looking at the same picture (I am the one who posted it), and I do not see what you see.

Believe it or not, everything that you (and I see) is seen through the lens of our life's experiences and our own preconceived notions. Two people CAN look at the same thing and see two very different things. Because you "see" him groping her doesn't mean that she is actually groping her. He has explained himself.

Again, I was not there. I don't know what happened. He might have done exactly what she accused him of - or he might be telling the truth (that it was not an intentional act of groping or illicit touching). I have read the articles that discuss all of the witnesses' testimonies and there is clearly reasonable doubt.

In America, when there is reasonable doubt, one is found innocent...

 

[Wishing on a star]

Sorry bamafan, but if I am remembering correctly, this is not the first time you have posted with disturbing views of men being innocent of any indecency...... even when there is photographic evidence of his hand on her breast.

Wow, just wow.

 

[Wishing on a star]

In America, when there is reasonable doubt, one is found innocent...

Thank goodness, when there is actual evidence (photographs even) the person was, indeed, found guilty.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Sorry bamafan, but if I am remembering correctly, this is not the first time you have posted with disturbing views of men being innocent of any indecency...... even when there is photographic evidence of his hand on her breast.

Wow, just wow.

LOL - you want to make this about me?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Thank goodness, when there is actual evidence (photographs even) the person was, indeed, found guilty.

Never mind - not worth it. I stated my point and people will either agree or disagree. I am fine with that...

 

[karibritt01]

I looked at the picture... I noticed that the man is squatting, and his shoulder is at Minnie's waist. His left hand is not visible in the picture, but the way Minnie's dress is hanging, it appears his hand is behind her. Minnie's right hand and arm are covering her breasts. Her left hand is covering the man's right hand, which appears to be around waist level given the belted waist on the dress. To me... it doesn't appear to be a picture of a groping so much as him holding her around the waist.

 

[Wishing on a star]

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.

I am glad you posted!
And I can understand your thoughts.

I am so sorry.....

 

[KinPA]

I never wanted to start any trouble or "infighting" I am just trying to get something across that I truly believe in. This is the last time I will post about this. What's done is done and we should just move on. There are enough problems out there to focus on. Thanks to everyone that had an open mind and allowed me to speak my mind. Now I think I'll go over to the "Dining" thread and drool at some good food pics.

 

[Shutterbug]

I know this is basically a man bashing forum over all because of the men:female ratio here but am going to post my opinion anyway.

In those costumes how in the heck would you know where her chest is to even grab at it? Secondly you are always rushed into taking pics with the characters because there are so many in line. If you have never been there before like this man, and now he is being put into the spot of taking photos and seeing other people putting arms around the characters thought it was okay and thats what he was doing just putting arms around the character not even knowing where his hand was and so busy paying attention to the photograph not realizing the character was trying to push his hands away. Again in those costumes do you really know where anyones "parts" are at?

Again I have no idea if this was intentional or not but when it comes to men most everyone here likes to shoot first and ask questions laters.

I remember a thread a few years back where a female cast member claimed she was raped by several male cast members in their apartment. Many people here screamed that they should be put in jail immediately that this should be done to them and that.....and you know what? It turned out the girl lied...it was consensual and there was proof. The thread went dead after that...I dont recall people coming back and saying "Oh I was wrong"

 

[DarthKTrava]

Seriously, are you looking at the same picture the rest of us are?

Would your opinion be different if he had've done the SAME thing to one of the princesses or any face character?

His hand is clearly on her chest, and she is clearly trying to move it!

And the question would be: "Why would he even NEED to put his hand on her chest in the first place???".

 

[lilybrooke14]

Yes, I am looking at the same picture (I am the one who posted it), and I do not see what you see.

Believe it or not, everything that you (and I see) is seen through the lens of our life's experiences and our own preconceived notions. Two people CAN look at the same thing and see two very different things. Because you "see" him groping her doesn't mean that she is actually groping her. He has explained himself.

Again, I was not there. I don't know what happened. He might have done exactly what she accused him of - or he might be telling the truth (that it was not an intentional act of groping or illicit touching). I have read the articles that discuss all of the witnesses' testimonies and there is clearly reasonable doubt.

In America, when there is reasonable doubt, one is found innocent...

I agree with this.

Photos can be deceiving. I snapped a picture of my DH and DD blowing bubbles in the backyard the other day. One of the photos looks like he's just struck her and she's reeling backward from it. In reality, he was trying to catch a bubble, it popped, and she threw her head back laughing. Sometimes, you can't even believe everything you see.