Disney Says It Chooses ‘Humanity’ After Denying Wrongful Death Case

Photo 45922315 © Calvin L. Leake | Dreamstime.com

When a woman tragically passed away due to an allergic reaction at a Disney-owned restaurant, the House of Mouse found itself in hot water as it attempted to dismiss her husband’s right to file a wrongful death suit. Why? Well, as it turns out, when you sign up for Disney+, even for a free trial, you’ll have agreed to absolve Disney and its affiliates of all existing disputes in your contract.

On October 5, 2023, Dr Kanokporn Tangsuan, a family medicine specialist, suffered a fatal allergic reaction after dining at Raglan Road, an Irish pub located in Disney Springs, Orlando. Tangsuan, who had a known shellfish allergy, informed the restaurant staff about her dietary restrictions. Tragically, she was still served a dish containing the very ingredient she had specifically avoided.

Following Tangsuan’s untimely death, her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Disney, alleging negligence on the part of the restaurant staff.

Initially, Disney tried to dismiss the lawsuit by invoking an arbitration clause in Piccolo’s Disney+ subscription, sparking widespread public backlash.

“In America, if you watch an episode of the Mandalorian, they get to kill your wife,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Facing mounting scrutiny, Disney has now reversed its stance. “At Disney, we strive to put humanity above all other considerations,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s theme park division, told members of the press on August 20. D’Amaro acknowledged the “unique circumstances” of the incident and said it required a “sensitive approach” to provide relief for the grieving family.

The case will now move forward, allowing Piccolo to seek justice for his wife’s untimely death. 

[via NBC News, Indiewire, People, AV Club, cover photo 45922315 © Calvin L. Leake | Dreamstime.com]