02 September 2023 , 20:12
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Disney bosses are fuming after leaked videos show iconic theme park characters twerking.
Staff can be seen dancing and provocatively removing their costumes in behind-the-scenes footage from the much-loved theme park. Clips show characters including Pluto, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse busting a move in a provocative fashion.
Images have been shared on a TikTok account called Illegal Disney. Other clips show costume heads of cartoon favourites sitting on shelves.
One appears to have been set up to allude to Pinocchio appearing to perform a sexual act on Peter Pan's villain Captain Hook. Antics at Disneyland in California have angered bosses who work to ensure the company's 'magic' is protected at all costs.
Now, a team of investigators has been called in to attempt to weed out those involved in filming the footage as well as those posting it. A source explained that though it may appear "silly" and just a light-hearted joke, for Disney protecting the "integrity" of the characters is "absolutely paramount."
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They said: "They've asked top investigators to shut down the feed and try to identify those responsible, who are in breach of their employment contracts. The last thing Disney wants is decapitated Mickey and Minnie heads going viral online and, even worse, anything that looks at all risqué or adult."
They said videos of characters dancing and twerking in their outfits is "just not on-message". Disney is known to be one of the most protective companies in the world "because they know their biggest customers are young children who don't want the illusion shattered."
Chip and Dale are seen in one clip recreating Ariana Grande's 'Side to Side' music video (illegal.disney)
Footage shared to TikTok shows various characters dancing in a risqué manner (illegal.disney)One of the most viral videos gained more than 1.2 million views in 10 hours and shows scandalous footage of characters backstage. The video begins with Nick Wilde from Zootopia's head on display before showing several characters in compromising situations.
The footage goes on to show Minnie Mouse doing the splits in her Halloween outfit as she dances on the floor. She then begins to twerk on the floor as Mickey Mouse simulates slapping her behind.
Several accounts, including Illegal Disney, have reportedly already been shut down, however, videos and images have been saved and circulated widely by other users. Disney staff are referred to as 'cast members' and are expected to maintain their characters and the Disney ethos at all times.#
One of the most viral videos shows Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their Halloween costumes (illegal.disney)Last year, Disneyland in California was said to employ 34,000 cast members. They're expected to maintain character integrity which ensures consistent behaviours, appearances, and interactions that match up with the characters' on-screen personalities.
Cast members undergo extensive audition processes and training in order to create magic at the parks and keep visitors' experiences with characters similar no matter whether they're in Tokyo, Paris or America. Characters interact with guests through photos, autographs and carefully choreographed interactions.
Entertainment cast members must follow strict rules or face immediate termination of their employment. Disney's goal of protecting the magic is why you often don't find footage of backstage dressing rooms, or character performers not in full costume.