Disney, billed as the happiest place on earth, became an unhappy place for one little boy who was denied participation in a princess event because he wasn’t a girl.
Noah McLean-Glass, a three-year-old boy who loves dressing up in his “Frozen” Elsa dress and belting out the words to “Let it Go,” was denied registration for Disneyland Paris’ “Princess for a Day” event.
“At this time it is not possible to book princess for a day for a boy,” an email to Noah’s mother, Hayley McLean-Glass, read.
This news came as a shock to Hayley, who has nothing but love and support for her son and his passion for the hit Disney movie.
“I was so angry, I literally couldn’t stop shaking for half an hour afterwards — I was just so shocked,” Hayley told ITV. “I mean, I’m his mother and if I’m OK with him doing it, who are Disney to tell me that he can’t do that?”
This doesn’t sound like Disney, the company known for supporting and portraying all kinds of families and people. But the Disneyland Paris leaders may need to do some more training with their staff, or cast members, as they’re called by the Disney corporation, if they want to avoid situations like this in the future.
“An isolated incident, the cast member’s response is not reflective of any policy or belief held here at Disneyland Paris,” read the official statement released by Disney. “We are going to ensure this does not happen again. . . .Of course, both boys and girls are welcome to enjoy The Princess For a Day experience in addition to all our other special activities.”
According to Hayley’s blog, “Sparkles and Stretchmarks,” she has been receiving a lot of hate from online trolls after the story broke a few days ago.
“My BIGGEST fear in life is that my children will have to grow up in a world full of inequality and discrimination,” shares Hayley on “Sparkles and Stretchmarks. ” And if I am EVER faced with an opportunity to correct that, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will fight against that anxiety with every fibre of my being and STAND UP FOR MY CHILDRENS(sic) RIGHTS.”
Tell us: should Disneyland Paris be taking the heat for the poor choices of one cast member?
