Disneyland Paris is one of the most visited theme parks in Europe. While many make the journey for the rides, the park also offers other services, like wedding packages. One of those raised alarm bells on the weekend after staff and security noticed one bride was clearly underage.
The Guardian reported on the bizarre incident, explaining that French police have now arrested two people. A group allegedly booked Disneyland for a private wedding ceremony on Saturday morning before the park’s opening hours. However, workers notified the authorities when they spotted the so-called bride, who was reportedly around nine years old.
After a brief investigation, the prosecutor’s office in Meaux discovered that the event was actually staged and not a real marriage ceremony. The deputy local prosecutor reportedly said, “The event turned out to have been staged. The guests themselves were all actors. So it wasn’t a wedding but the staging of a wedding, which was filmed with around 100 extras. They had privately hired Disneyland Paris, claiming it was a real wedding.”
Authorities Have Made Multiple Arrests Following The Staged Disneyland Wedding
The Guardian explains that authorities made four arrests. Police were still questioning two people on Sunday on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.
A report by People explains that the fake groom, a 22-year-old man from the UK, was among those detained. Police also arrested the child’s mother, a 41-year-old Ukrainian, and two Latvians aged 24 and 55. The outlet also explains that the 100 extras were allegedly actors who were only given vague details of what to expect. The child has reportedly undergone a medical examination and is unharmed.
French news outlet Le Parisien reports that Disneyland staff canceled the event immediately after identifying “major irregularities.” The park is reportedly fully cooperating with authorities and has also lodged its own legal complaint. Le Parisien also alleges that the fake groom claimed the stunt was for a film and he is the producer, per their police sources. A witness reportedly said they were impressed with how Disneyland handled the situation. “They canceled everything as soon as they realized that the bride was a kid. We were stunned to see that,” they said.