An argument between guests at Universal Studios Beijing this week drew widespread attention after footage of the altercation began circulating online.
Though the disagreement did not turn physical, it became the latest in a string of public confrontations at Universal parks in recent years.
Tensions in theme parks are not uncommon. While most visits proceed without issue, crowded conditions and long wait times have occasionally led to conflict. In several recent cases, disputes have escalated into fights, arrests, and injuries, raising questions about safety and guest expectations across the industry.
Universal Studios Beijing, which opened in 2021, is the newest park in Universal’s global portfolio. It includes several high-profile lands such as Jurassic World Isla Nublar, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness. Its rapid growth in popularity has coincided with the rising visibility of guest incidents shared online.
Dispute Over Alleged Filming Leads to Escalation
According to local news outlets, two women accused another parkgoer of recording them on her phone while waiting in line. The accused guest, who was also female, was reportedly misgendered by the others due to her short hair. Video clips show her visibly distressed, attempting to prove that she had not been filming anyone.
A Universal Studios team member intervened before the situation escalated further. In one video, one of the accusers is heard saying, “I’m sorry, we misunderstood! You look like a man…”
The park has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Filming and photography in public spaces carry different connotations in various parts of the world. In the United States, filming strangers in theme parks is generally seen as intrusive but rarely confrontational. In countries like China and Japan, social norms around privacy tend to be more rigid, particularly in crowded public places such as trains or amusement parks.
Broader Pattern of Theme Park Altercations
Universal Studios has dealt with several other guest-related incidents in recent years. In July 2022, a fight involving teenagers at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk led to panic and evacuation, after some guests feared there was an active shooter. No weapons were found.
In March 2025, a guest at Universal’s Volcano Bay was arrested for allegedly throwing a rock at a team member, resulting in an aggravated battery charge. Other incidents have occurred during Halloween Horror Nights and holiday events, with multiple fights reported in queue lines.
Have you ever witnessed a fight at a theme park?
