Former Disney Employee Claims Wrongful Termination Over Snow White Social Media Posts

A former Disney employee who portrayed Snow White at the company's theme parks has claimed she was wrongfully terminated for posting about her job on social media. Sophia Dottir, who worked in the Disney College Program, alleges that her social media activity "ruined the magic" and violated Disney's strict rules against character performers revealing their roles.

Dottir shared a vlog on YouTube discussing being "under investigation for breaking character integrity online" and having her ID taken away before being asked to leave the property. She had posted pictures and videos of herself in the Snow White costume on social media, which goes against Disney's policies aimed at maintaining the illusion for park guests.

The former cast member was accused of breaking these rules after a short investigation and was fired, despite having a doctor's note for being sick. While some praised Dottir's Snow White impersonation, most agreed that she should have followed the company's guidelines if she wanted to remain a Disney employee.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Disney faces in balancing the magical guest experience with the well-being and fair treatment of its cast members. As one of the world's most iconic entertainment brands, Disney's handling of employee relations can have far-reaching implications for its reputation and the morale of its workforce.

Disney has emphasized the importance of upholding its values and standards for both guests and cast members, though the specifics of Dottir's case remain undisclosed. The company has stated that while Dottir's termination stands, it does not signal the end of the Snow White character at its parks, as another performer will take her place.

The controversy has also brought to light broader issues concerning the treatment of Disney cast members, including strict appearance rules, health and safety concerns, and incidents of guest misconduct. Some cast members have reported taking breaks in inadequate facilities and facing harassment from guests while in costume.

In response to the incident, a Disney spokesperson stated, "We have strict policies in place to protect the magic of our parks and the integrity of our characters. While we cannot comment on individual cases, we take these matters seriously and have a thorough process for investigating and addressing any violations." The company has not provided further details on Dottir's termination or responded to allegations about working conditions for cast members.

Key Takeaways

• Former Disney Snow White fired for posting about job on social media
• Disney has strict rules against character performers revealing their roles
• Incident highlights challenges in balancing guest experience and employee well-being
• Disney emphasizes upholding values and standards for guests and cast members
• Controversy brings to light broader issues regarding Disney cast member treatment