In an astonishing turn of events that even had some Disney enthusiasts stunned, the entertainment giant has decided to backtrack on one of its more controversial legal maneuvers. The incident traces back to the tragic death of Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan, who had a severe allergic reaction after dining at a Disney World restaurant in 2023, despite informing staff of her allergies. Her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, subsequently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Disney and the restaurant owners.
Disney’s initial response was, to put it mildly, startling. The company’s legal representatives argued that Piccolo couldn’t sue Disney over website language about the restaurant because he had agreed to arbitration clauses when signing up for a Disney+ free trial back in 2019. According to Disney, these terms covered all disputes involving the company and its affiliates, a strategy that didn’t sit well with many observers.
If that wasn’t enough, Disney also claimed Piccolo had re-accepted these arbitration terms when purchasing tickets for their ill-fated trip using the My Disney Experience app. The company even contended that Piccolo agreed to these terms on behalf of his wife, listed as a guest, demonstrating an unparalleled level of legal bravado that drew widespread criticism.
Following a fierce public backlash, Disney announced it would withdraw its demand for arbitration. Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s Chairman of Parks, Experiences and Products, stated that the company recognized the need for a “sensitive approach” given the family’s painful loss. Thus, Disney agreed to let the lawsuit proceed in the public court system.
Legal experts, such as Jamie Cartwright, were quick to note the likely impact of adverse publicity on Disney’s decision. Cartwright speculated that Disney’s attempt to sidestep open court proceedings only generated the very attention it hoped to avoid, underscoring an astonishing miscalculation.
Jeffrey Piccolo is suing Disney for over $50,000 in addition to seeking compensation for suffering, loss of income, and medical and legal costs. With the case now set to be heard in court, many are keenly watching to see how this high-stakes legal drama unfolds.
We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below and discuss this intriguing twist in Disney’s ongoing saga. What do you think about Disney’s initial legal stance and its eventual retreat?
Source: Rich Stanton
