What looked like a fairytale moment at Disneyland Paris turned into something far more troubling over the weekend. A 22-year-old British man was arrested after allegedly staging a wedding ceremony with a nine-year-old girl at the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Guests, extras, and onlookers were stunned when they realized the “bride” in the extravagant celebration was just a child. What was sold as a high-end private event quickly unraveled into a disturbing scene that has sparked a criminal investigation.
A Fantasy Gone Wrong
The event was booked for the early morning, before the park opened to regular guests. According to Disneyland Paris officials, the groom and organizers paid over $130,000 to rent out the castle area. Everything was set: rows of white chairs, a floral arch, a multi-tiered cake, and more than 200 guests—including children—brought in as extras.
At first, it looked like a lavish destination wedding. But Disney employees grew suspicious. The young girl, dressed in a child-sized bridal gown with heels taped to her feet, didn’t look comfortable. And when it became clear she was only nine, staff immediately alerted authorities.
Police arrived on the scene and stopped the event before any vows were exchanged.
Arrests Made, Child Found Safe
Four people were taken into custody that morning. They included the 22-year-old man believed to be the “groom,” the girl’s 41-year-old mother, and two other adults from Latvia who allegedly helped organize the event.
The girl was found unharmed and placed under protection. She was examined by medical professionals and is now being cared for safely.
French prosecutors say the man and a 24-year-old Latvian accomplice remain in custody while they investigate possible fraud, child exploitation, and money laundering. The girl’s mother and the older Latvian woman were released under supervision, but the investigation continues.
How Did This Happen?
Authorities say the group used fake documents and contracts to make the event seem legitimate. Organizers claimed it was a video shoot for social media content. They hired actors online, staged the entire event, and told Disney it was a wedding rehearsal.
But the optics—particularly involving a visibly young girl in a wedding dress—sparked concern. Many of the actors present told investigators they had no idea what the event was actually about. They thought it was part of a themed celebration or marketing stunt.
Some guests who witnessed the incident called it “sickening.” Others said they felt confused and deeply unsettled by what they saw once they realized the girl’s age.
Disney Responds Quickly
Disneyland Paris released a statement confirming the event was shut down as soon as staff became aware of the situation. They said they are fully cooperating with authorities and praised the employees who acted swiftly.
“We take the safety and well-being of children extremely seriously,” a spokesperson said. “Our security team immediately took action and notified police.”
What’s Next in the Investigation?
Prosecutors in Meaux, France, are now sorting through financial records, video footage, and witness statements. They’re trying to determine if any laws were broken involving child protection—even if the ceremony was fake.
Investigators are also looking into how such a high-priced booking could be made under false pretenses. With over $130,000 involved, the case has triggered deeper questions about how event spaces screen private clients and verify their intentions.
The Bigger Concern
This incident has sparked wider concern about the blurred line between social media stunts and serious criminal behavior. If, as the suspects claim, the event was “just for views,” the consequences could still be severe—especially when children are involved.
Legal experts say even staged events involving minors in suggestive or inappropriate settings could lead to criminal charges.
As the investigation continues, many are left asking: how did something this bizarre and unsettling get as far as it did?
