A 39-year-old British man has been arrested in Seine‑et‑Marne, France, after authorities stopped a shocking mock wedding held at Disneyland Paris, where the “bride” was a nine‑year‑old Ukrainian girl.
What unfolded at Disneyland Paris
In the early hours of June 21, 2025, Disneyland Paris was privately rented under the guise of a wedding rehearsal. Around 5 a.m., park staff became suspicious when they saw a child clad in a wedding dress and high heels. Police were immediately alerted, and the event was halted before park opening, which would normally begin much later in the morning.
According to reports, the 39‑year‑old British man who played the groom was arrested and now faces charges including fraud, abuse of trust, money laundering, and identity theft. Hotel documents show the ceremony cost around €130,000, paid for with fake ID and the fictitious identity of a Latvian national.
Who is the “bride”—and what do we know about her?
According to police, the “bride” is a nine‑year‑old Ukrainian girl who entered France with her 41‑year‑old mother just two days before the event. A medical examination confirmed that the child was not physically or sexually abused and was not coerced into participation. However, the psychological implications remain deeply unsettling.
Other arrests and legal follow-up
The girl’s mother was arrested alongside a 24‑year‑old Latvian woman, who played the bride’s sister, and a 55‑year‑old Latvian man, who was reportedly cast as the bride’s father. The girl’s mother and the older Latvian man have since been released. The younger Latvian woman and the British suspect remain in custody on charges including money laundering and fraud.
Why this matters—and what’s next
This disturbing incident highlights serious security gaps in theme‑park bookings and the alarming lengths someone with a registered sex offender history can go to exploit them. Disneyland Paris stated it was “deceived” by falsified identifications and promptly canceled the event.
The suspect appeared before the Meaux tribunal on June 23 and has been formally charged with multiple criminal offenses, including suspected corruption of a minor. French prosecutors have collaborated with UK authorities to investigate his past convictions and enforce any existing reporting obligations. They intend to further probe potential money‑laundering networks behind the setup.
The surreal idea of a staged wedding between an adult and a nine‑year‑old inside Disneyland Paris is more than sensational—it’s alarming. As legal proceedings move forward, the case raises urgent questions about security, oversight, and the exploitation of children in closed‑door events. Authorities in both France and the UK are under pressure to review their systems to prevent anything like this from happening again.
Published: Jun 25, 2025 07:30 am