Woman Sues Disney Over Spanking

[The Straight Story]

Woman Sues Disney Over Spanking

LOS ANGELES (CN) - A woman who attended a live taping of the Disney show "Good Luck Charlie" claims a comedian gave her an "unwarranted and unconsented" spanking in front of the audience and her two children, who looked on in "confusion and sadness."

...
The complaint states: "Plaintiff arrived at studio along with her two minor children, her sister-in-law and her three (3) daughters. During breaks in the taping of the scenes, Disney and Laugh had hired Pearson to entertain the audience.

"During the taping plaintiff left to use the restroom. It was observed that when she walked past Pearson that he was 'checking out' plaintiff's body. Pearson was observed looking up and down plaintiff's body in a lewd manner. This lewd behavior was further substantiated by plaintiff's minor daughter and plaintiff's sister-in-law's observing and commenting to the plaintiff warning plaintiff about Pearson's lewd behavior.

"At approximately 7:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on December 22, 2011, Pearson came into the audience and picked three (3) adults to come up front to compete for a prize. Plaintiff was one of the three adults chosen along with another blonde female and a male guest.
...
"During the 'silly dance' there was a dance maneuver in which plaintiff had to turn and her back was to Pearson. When plaintiff completed this dance maneuver, all of a sudden and without warning, Pearson started spanking plaintiff's buttocks with his hands. This unwarranted and unconsented spanking was relentless and did not cease until plaintiff physically turned around to stop it.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/01/19/43162.htm

[Javaman]

1. "I didn't say Minnie was crazy"

"I said she was fucking Goofie".

Here I was hoping it was one of the costumed characters.

This woman should have a nice pay day.

[Honeycombe8]

2. At first I thought this sounded like a silly lawsuit...

but after reading the details, it makes me furious. I know exactly what was going on here, and she's right to sue. I am certain that this guy had done this many times before.

Women have the right to go to public functions and not to be oggled, fondled, or otherwise made to feel uncomfortable because they happen to be female and attractive. Men who do that know exactly what they are doing.

[redqueen]

3. +1

[BlueDemKev]

4. If he'd spanked her one time, I could understand, but....

....over and over again? Even if he didn't mean anything by it, he should've known that was going to get him in trouble.

[seabeyond]

5. NOT one time. NO right to touch. NONE. not once, not a lot

not a little.

NONE.

[BlueDemKev]

7. Understood, however.....

....was it like part of the show? Sometimes a small playful spank is given in horseplay, and from what the article says it appears this was some Disney employees (and a couple of visitors) putting on a "silly show". Although it appears that given he smacked her repeatedly, I think it went way beyond that.

[seabeyond]

8. no. obviously you did not understand. it doesnt matter. NO ONE touches my ass

Unless I give them permission. Ever. No one

This is not a tough one. You understand women use to have to put up with that shit. Not anymore. Doesn't matter what it was for. Not once. Not at all.

[BlueDemKev]

10. Well then it's a good thing for Disney....

....that YOU weren't the one brought up on stage! That employee wouldn't be facing a lawsuit, he'd be facing a mortician!

[seabeyond]

11. i dont believe in violence. so, no, he would not be. i dont get why you dont get

slapping a woman on the ass is wrong.

[BlueDemKev]

91. I've now read the entire complaint

And yes, assuming the complaint is accurate, I believe it was totally inappropriate. When I first heard about it, I didn't know all the facts. But if this is true, that guy was not only being fetish, he was a COMPLETE IDIOT to do that.

[Kurska]

23. Words to the wise.

Before you mentally psyche yourself up to explode at the next guy who touches your ass without your permission (lets hope one never does), keep it mind it could be an accident.

Happened to me once, I'm a very demonstrative person and use a lot of gestures with my hands. I'm walking past a corner, motion toward something and I end up slapping someone's ass (In this case another guy, but that isn't really the point). That was awkward as all hell.

[xmas74]

38. But in an instance like that

there's a sense of discomfort from both sides and usually a rushed and embarrassed "I'm so sorry!" said.

Accidents happen where hands are out, people walk into others, etc. Most understand that and can easily forgive it. In this case it was obvious what was happening. It wasn't an accidental brush.

[Kurska]

40. Granted

Just saying it does happen.

[xmas74]

57. But it's usually obvious that's the situation`

and the parties involved are embarrassed for a few moments, might share a nervous giggle, and then forget about it. Few will think anything of that situation for more than a couple of minutes.

The case in the OP was totally different. That guy is a jackass.

[Hugabear]

15. Would you mind if I walked up and grabbed your crotch?

What if I just grabbed your crotch lightly, as part of some light horseplay?

[ThomThom]

28. If you want an audience member to participate in a skit that involves

spanking or touching in any way prior permission is required to my mind.
sounds like assault to me

[jberryhill]

34. And that prior permission may have been embodied in the terms of admission

[ThomThom]

37. that may be true, who reads the fine print on the ticket?

not sure it would be permission to touch or grope

[jberryhill]

39. I do

It's scary stuff.

They list all sorts of horrific things you are volunteering to have done to you.

[ThomThom]

42. well that would end that

stay away from that place, they have bad attitudes on other things as well

[jberryhill]

43. Disney is a fountain of bad ideas

And they have a long history of dealing with a litigious public. That sort of experience leads me to believe that they would most likely be adequately insulated from liability here.

[ThomThom]

26. that is right, he had no right to touch her

If this was part of the act and they had done it before they are luck they haven't been sued already. This an outrage.

[Texasgal]

79. Should have never happened.

Not even ONCE.

[Snake Alchemist]

13. If you trust the plaintiffs details.

Not that I disagree, just pointing out that this is their version of events.

[seabeyond]

14. true. for clarification.... my replies are only if what presented is what happened. nt

[Honeycombe8]

45. True. There are always two sides to every story. I'm taking the allegations as they are. nt

[yardwork]

58. And there's more, too. He kissed her on the lips without permission.

"After the 'contest' was over, Pearson announced the winner, it was the single male contestant. Pearson then looked at plaintiff and pointed to his cheek wanting plaintiff to kiss him on the cheek. Being a good sport and further humiliated and powerless to do anything since it was in front of the entire audience, plaintiff attempted to kiss Pearson on his cheek and all of a sudden and without warning Pearson turned his face and kissed plaintiff fully on her mouth.
"Plaintiff immediately looked up to see her children and god-children's expression to be one of confusion and sadness. When plaintiff returned to her seat her children asked 'why did that man kiss you?' This question was asked numerous times throughout the evening. Further causing plaintiff embarrassment and humiliation.

This is upsetting to me.

[seabeyond]

63. pervert. get his kicks in the front of crowd where he felt safe she wouldnt do anything

that is what perverts do.

[book_worm]

6. good! sounds like they should be sued.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. Sounds like a Law and Order episode

[Snake Alchemist]

12. I sued Gallagher when a watermelon hit me. :) nt

[Lance_Boyle]

16. I sued Sea World when a jumping orca doused my white shirt,

exposing my luscious moobs to unwanted public attention.

[Snake Alchemist]

17. I think I sued them after witnessing that. I'm still seeing a therapist. nt

[RadiationTherapy]

18. Diminishing sexual harassment never happens.

[Snake Alchemist]

19. Who said anything about diminishing?

If this happens as she depicts it than I hope she owns Disney when this is all over. I just realize that so far all we have is the plaintiff's version.

[RadiationTherapy]

22. I said it. I am accusing you of diminishing this story along with Mr. ManBoobs by equating it

to inconsequential acts. Like a couple of assholes, really. But I'm sure when the "truth" comes out, you will be defending her...

[Snake Alchemist]

27. So it's the unvarnished truth? nt

[RadiationTherapy]

29. What does that matter in the context of your mockery?

[Snake Alchemist]

30. It sounds a little over the top.

I refuse to get outraged just yet.

[RadiationTherapy]

44. Expressing that is very different from what you expressed earlier.

You did not express cynicism over the potential the story is exaggerated, you equated the scenario to getting watermelon on your shirt at a Gallagher show.

[Snake Alchemist]

46. The way the press release is written it sounds like a comedy.

Or at least a Tex Avery cartoon character. Could be an over-zealous attorney, but what they have presented is somewhat comical.

[seabeyond]

49. yes, in the past, spanking grown women was comedy. i wouldnt think any adult would feel it is today

i have been proven wrong.

most didnt find it comical.

[Snake Alchemist]

50. Not that part.

The description of him eyeing her up and down. All it needs is a wolf whistle thrown in. Hopefully, that won't hurt her case if she has a legitimate claim.

[seabeyond]

51. again, sounds like a creep, not funny. men do it as an insult to a woman. put her in her place

i am not seeing the humor or comedy in that any more than in hitting the woman.

[Snake Alchemist]

52. I have NEVER seen a man do this. Even the creeps.

I have seen a few cartoon charaters eye women up and down then howl or whistle though

""During the taping plaintiff left to use the restroom. It was observed that when she walked past Pearson that he was 'checking out' plaintiff's body. Pearson was observed looking up and down plaintiff's body in a lewd manner. This lewd behavior was further substantiated by plaintiff's minor daughter and plaintiff's sister-in-law's observing and commenting to the plaintiff warning plaintiff about Pearson's lewd behavior."

All they had to do was throw in a "Damn girl, you fine!!!" to make this complete.
.

[seabeyond]

54. hmmm, and i have experienced it many times, as have a lot of women. had a pretty big thread on du2

about this. it was amazing the number of men that told us women they had never seen it, ergo, we havent experienced it.

and the purpose is not to "compliment" the woman but to feel a sense of power within themselves, show off to the group or crowd. so, chuckle and disregard. for us, it is insulting.

[Snake Alchemist]

56. It will be interesing if this turns out to be a black man being accused by a white woman.

Seems like the stereotypes are almost there.

[seabeyond]

64. wow. a low. you have laughed all the way thru this and now hit bottom. nt

[yardwork]

60. You have got to be kidding. That happens all the time. All.The.Time.

[Snake Alchemist]

61. This press release sounds like veiled racism to me.

I am awaiting further info on the plaintiff and defendant.

[yardwork]

62. What. A minute ago you thought this was hilariously funny.

First you laughed and mocked a woman who says she was the victim of public sexual harassment in front of her children and relatives. Then, when people call you on that, you decided that she must be a racist.

[Snake Alchemist]

69. Yeah, hilarious like something out of "Friday"

All they had to throw in was a "Damn girl, you fine!!" or a "Back that booty up!" and they'd have it all.

[yardwork]

65. Here's a photo of Ron Pearson.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088610/Mother-Kellie-Rodriguez-sues-Disney-comedian-Ron-Pearson-spanks-live-taping-Good-Luck-Charlie.html

Edited in case you have trouble looking it up:

[Snake Alchemist]

72. I stand corrected,

I guess we'll just have to see how the suit plays out.

[seabeyond]

66. it didnt happen remember. oh wait, the leering didnt happen. comedic. wait, racism.... nt

[Snake Alchemist]

70. Yes, no woman has ever made false accusations.

In fact pointing out the the complaint stresses credulity is a form of gender bias.

[seabeyond]

73. about gone thru them all. i am thinking there are plenty of witness since it was IN FRONT of a CROWD

i dont know, what do you think.

geezus

[Snake Alchemist]

80. It should be an easy case if that is the situation.

I was just pointing out the wording of the complaint, nothing more.

[seabeyond]

83. ah... now just the wording, nothing more. right

the wording suggests she was assaulted and treated disrespectfully. that simple. nothing more.

[Snake Alchemist]

87. Always has been the wording, so yes. nt

[yardwork]

74. So now she's a liar. First, it was hysterically funny. Then, she was a racist. Oops. That was wrong.

So now she's obviously lying.

[seabeyond]

77. he worked really hard to get the attention, too. it has taken most of the afternoon into tonight

to get all the way to this point.

really old and tired, tired and old. same old men that do this shit, too.

[Snake Alchemist]

81. Could be. Does positing the possibility make me a mysoginist? nt

[seabeyond]

84. the laughing, dismissing assault and harassment, the asking for it.... that may. nt

[Snake Alchemist]

86. Nothing of the sort.

Pointing out the wording of something sounds ridiculous is not a dismissal of any stripe.

[yardwork]

59. It's not comical to me at all. I guess you've never been sexually harassed.

Lucky you. People who have experienced harassment tend not to find it funny.

[seabeyond]

67. or those that harass think it is a hoot. nt

[yardwork]

68. And when they get called on it, they turn around and accuse the woman of something else like racism.

Wait. This sounds so familiar. It's happening right here in this thread!

[seabeyond]

71. or the picture he put below. the woman obviously was asking for it. nt

[yardwork]

76. He's pulling out all the stops.

[seabeyond]

78. ya... he so didnt want to be ignored, lol. nt

[Snake Alchemist]

75. Yes, no woman has ever made false accusations.

And pointing out that you think a complaint is written a little over the top is gender bias. Should they start the sentencing now or wait until tomorrow?

[SalviaBlue]

20. Oh yea, thats the same.

[RadiationTherapy]

21. Her back was to him and he started spanking her.

Because he was behind her... It's a pantomime of when you spank your partner while "doing" them "doggystyle". Get the joke? It's a Disney show with kids in the audience and she gets her ass spanked. It's funny. Get it?

[Broderick]

25. Funny like sexual assault funny? I get the sarcasm by the way.

It shouldn't be funny to him though if he was dealt with like he should have been. Jail.

[Broderick]

24. She has every right to sue

What the hell was this moron thinking. This is NOT acceptable behavior. In front of her KIDS no less?? Not that doing it without her kids there makes this remotely ok. I would be in jail if I attempted to do that.

[jberryhill]

32. It may depend on the conditions of the ticket/admission

If you have ever read the terms of a ticket to a sporting or entertainment event, you might be surprised what you've waived.

[Broderick]

53. Huh?

Nobody signs a waiver for sexual abuse

[seabeyond]

55. i am wondering if we are signing off to rape too? i mean, what the hell....

walk into the park and it is free game.

[Snake Alchemist]

31. Film footage has been released of the alleged incident.

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=tjV&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US fficial&biw=1227&bih=542&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnso&tbnid=Flj5stjGyF_-cM:&imgrefurl=http://senimation-satay-satay.blogspot.com/2009/05/tex-avery-influences-and-comparison.html&docid=NellPZC16QsoaM&imgurl=&w=400&h=318&ei=2W0gT-3TI830sQKRoKjMDg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=482&sig=108776933059253624223&page=1&tbnh=145&tbnw=198&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0&tx=144&ty=30

"During the taping plaintiff left to use the restroom. It was observed that when she walked past Pearson that he was 'checking out' plaintiff's body. Pearson was observed looking up and down plaintiff's body in a lewd manner. This lewd behavior was further substantiated by plaintiff's minor daughter and plaintiff's sister-in-law's observing and commenting to the plaintiff warning plaintiff about Pearson's lewd behavior. "


So far this sounds a little over the top, but will have to wait and see.

[jberryhill]

33. If you go to their theme park, you agre to pretty much hold them blameless for killing you

The claim here is going to come down to the scope of consent embodied in whatever the terms of admission and participation in the taping of the program were.

[underpants]

47. Disney has their own laws inside the theme parks

They moved into a nowhere town of Orlando and the city gave them anything they wanted.

We will be there in April. My daughter is going to LOVE it.

[jberryhill]

48. Hey do me a favor....

....if you can remember.

I LOVE admission ticket disclaimers. Ski lift tickets are pretty good too. Read any that are thrust upon you, and let me know to what horrors you have agreed.

[underpants]

90. I will try to remember

I am bookmarking this but send me a PM at the end of April

[Major Hogwash]

35. Wow, that's weird.

What kind of a show is "Good Luck Charlie"?
This sounds like something Charlie Sheen would be doing, not Disney.

[laundry_queen]

41. It's a show about a family

with 3 preteens/teens and their goofy parents, and the baby sister, Charlie (short for Charlotte, I think). Your basic, mostly innocent, Disney show. If I took my kids to a taping, I certainly wouldn't expect anything like what was described.

[ZombieHorde]

82. Seems so obvious that spanking strangers without permission is messed up.

Of course some posters had to show up to belittle the situation.

[seabeyond]

85. if he had just spanked her once, that would have been ok. what century

do i live in

[TwilightGardener]

88. Really weird. I've been in situations like that, where you want to be a good sport and go along

with the joke, but someone is behaving very strangely and you're not sure what you should do.

[racefanof88]

89. Police report??

Did she file criminal charges against him or did she just file a lawsuit against Disney? While I don't condone what was allegedly done to this woman, I don't understand why she wouldn't file criminal charges. I would have ran from the stage and called the police RIGHT THEN AND THERE. I also do not understand why she agreed to participate if she knew this man had looked at her in a "lewd manner", and why she continued to participate after he touched her the first time? And the coup de grâce, why would she agree to kiss him on the cheek after he had 'checked her out' and 'spanked her relentlessly'?

In California a sexual assault conviction carries with it a possible sentence of 24, 36 or 48 months in prison, as well as a possible $10,000 fine. Wouldn't she want this "sex offender" taken off the street? Especially since he works for Disney and has access to children.