If there is one thing that makes Walt Disney World Resort the extra magical place it is, it is the hard-working Cast Members. Whether they are keeping the Parks clean, operating rides and attractions, or serving up some delicious food, each and every Cast Member plays a key role in making Disney World the Most Magical Place on Earth. Cast Members are so beloved by Guests that both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort apps have a “Cast Compliment” feature where Guests can send praise for a Cast Member who made their day extra fantastic.
Being a Cast Member is no easy task. Guests can be demanding, rude, condescending, and even scream when they feel that they have been wronged. Cast Members work long, hard days, and some Guests may not appreciate what they do. Then, there are some Guests who feel that they can do whatever they want to Cast Members. That belief led to a Guest getting arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office after a day at the Magic Kingdom.
According to a recent report from the Sheriff’s Office, 56-year-old Joria Lee West Jr. was arrested on April 26 on charges of battery. The report states that a 21-year-old Cast Member was walking through the Magic Kingdom and noticed a man walking beside her. That man then put his hand up her shirt and tried to grab her breast. The Cast Member said that he was only able to grab her upper chest since her shirt was buttoned too tight. The man looked at her, did not apologize, and then walked away.
The Cast Member immediately reported the incident to her supervisor and gave a description of the Guest. The police were called, and the Cast Member told them what happened. They were able to track down and arrest West. The Cast Member said that she wanted to press charges and that she would be willing to testify against West.
West has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and his lawyer said that his client “denies any wrongdoing” while he was at the Park.
“My client denies any wrongdoing and involvement in this matter. That day was meant for him to celebrate his recent engagement to his fiancé, who was with him at all times. We plan to address and fight these allegations in court.”
Unfortunately for West, the Cast Member was not the only person to see what happened. The Sheriff’s report also states that two other Guests saw the incident. They told police that they saw West appear to try to grab the Cast Member’s chest. The Cast Member then backed away, with a startled look on her face. West then walked away as if nothing had happened. The Guests reported what they had seen to Walt Disney World Security and gave them the same description of West that the Cast Member did.
Sadly, this is not the first time that a Cast Member has been inappropriately touched by a Guest. And it is not just the female Cast Members that have to deal with it. Guests have been removed or spoken to for groping characters like Gaston or Captain Jack Sparrow when they want their picture taken. Cast Members who play princesses have also had to deal with handsy men.
