Man charged with groping Disney princess

‘The victim was immediately uncomfortable with the defendant’s touch,’ sheriffs say

Brian Sherman is accused of groping a Walt Disney World worker who was dressed as a princess (AP)

A man has been accused of groping a woman dressed as a Disney princess while his wife sat nearby.

Brian Sherman became ”very excited” when he saw the staff member at the Walt Disney World park in Orlando, Florida, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in an affidavit.

Posing for photograph with the actress who was in between him and his wife, the 51-year-old said the princess was his favourite character, before putting his arm around the woman and groping her breast.

The woman has not been named and the character she plays has not been publicly revealed.

“The defendant repeated how much he loved [the character] as he placed his right arm around the victim’s shoulders," the affadavit states. “The victim was immediately uncomfortable with the defendant’s touch but was unable to move.

“The defendant continued to wrap his arm lower.”

Colleagues told detectives that the victim as not able to move as the photos were taken.

A co-worker realised the woman was uncomfortable and told the man to remove his hand.

After Mr Sherman left the room, the woman began to shake and cry and police were immediately called.

Officers used the photos taken during the incident to identify Mr Sherman, who was later arrested and charged with battery.

“Orange County Sheriff’s Office was on site and immediately stepped in, and this is now a law enforcement matter,” a Disney spokesperson said. “Everyone should feel safe at work, and we encourage cast members to come forward in any uncomfortable situation.”

Mr Sherman has been released on a $500 (£388) bail bond.

Additional reporting by agencies