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Tigger Trial - NOT GUILTY
- Thread starter Timekeeper
- Start date
doubtful, since his alleged actions may eventually cost Disney some serious cash, I doubt they'll take him back. To be honest, I personally wouldn't want to return to a company that doesn't stand up to protect its employees. I personally feel Michael should sue Disney for back pay during his suspension, I know I would.
mrtoad
Well-Known Member
mkt said:
I agree, if he was suspended and now he is proven inocent they at least should pay him his money lost during his suspention and give him his job back (if he wants it). If they do not offer it back, he has a legal case against them for terminating him for a crime he was proven not to have commited.
tigger248
Well-Known Member
lamarvenoy said:
I agree that the damage has been done and Michael's life has forever been affected, but I will still look at Tigger the same. Tigger's my most favorite character ever and I still get as excited as a small child whenever I see him. I doubt that will change when I return "home" in November.
brich
New Member
He had bad enough luck in a Tigger suit. Why would he want to push his luck wearing a defamation suit. :lol:
I'm just looking forward to having my photo taken with Tigger. I can only imagine some of the poses people will be striking with Tigger now.
It's to bad that Disney didn't show more support but can you imagine if they had and he was found guilty? Reminds me of what happened with the Catholic church up here in Boston. It's a fine line to walk. Support the suspect and hope for a positive outcome or walk away and risk looking like Disney does now. It's a gamble that I think Disney played well. Believe me, I would love to see Disney make good with Michael but in the grand sheme, they are looking to play the side that will do the least amount of damage to the company image. I support Disney's stance but I also totally support Michael and this verdict. I would not hesitate to line up my family with Michael in costume. Just hope something good can come of this for him... :animwink:
Sucks
A criminal case brought against someone by the state is not enough to establish defamation. That's why news anchors always say "alleged" crime or "alleged" action. It's "alleged" until a judge or jury determine guilty. If they do not return a guity verdict, the charges were never more than allegations.
Now, malicious prosecution is against the law, as is purposefuly lying to law enforcement. But just like the original case, the prosecuting party would need to meet the high burden of proof.
It can get so ugly that the advice given to most people is "let it go," (unless the attorney stands to gain enough to want to persue the case.)
Does this totally suck for Michael? Yes, it does.
Timekeeper
Ringo8n24 said:
A criminal case brought against someone by the state is not enough to establish defamation. That's why news anchors always say "alleged" crime or "alleged" action. It's "alleged" until a judge or jury determine guilty. If they do not return a guity verdict, the charges were never more than allegations.
Now, malicious prosecution is against the law, as is purposefuly lying to law enforcement. But just like the original case, the prosecuting party would need to meet the high burden of proof.
It can get so ugly that the advice given to most people is "let it go," (unless the attorney stands to gain enough to want to persue the case.)
Does this totally suck for Michael? Yes, it does.
Timekeeper
Hank Scorpio
New Member
Woo Hoo this is good news, and hopefully will stop anymore silly trials etc.
chancellor
Member
MKCP 1986 said:
This is what I said yesterday in another thread. There is no big cash payout here. Even if they do find a lawyer to file a civil suit, this girl simply has no quantifiable damages. Disney might be willing to throw some money at it to avoid the publicity of another trial, but if I were Disney's lawyer I'd tell them they were nuts to pay more than 15K to make it go away (40% of which will go to the lawyer).
That said, it is still technically possible to win a civil suit even though Tigger was acquitted, because the burden of proof is lower in the civil suit. Remember OJ?
As for Michael, he would not have a defamation suit because this was in the context of a judicial proceeding (so everything said was privileged). He could have a malicious prosecution suit, but he would have to prove that the girl was lying which, in my opinion, would be impossible. As sad as it seems, he probably just needs to put this behind him, knowing he was right, and move on.
wannab@dis
Well-Known Member
Since he was suspended and not fired, then he may get back pay for the time he missed work and he should be able to return to work.
If that doesn't happen, Disney should hear from a lot of unhappy guests for their treatment of the CMs. Their employees deserve the backing of the company when something happens at work that turns out like this.
I understand their distancing themselves from the case, but now that it is settled, they should step up and do the right thing.
If that doesn't happen, Disney should hear from a lot of unhappy guests for their treatment of the CMs. Their employees deserve the backing of the company when something happens at work that turns out like this.
I understand their distancing themselves from the case, but now that it is settled, they should step up and do the right thing.
BenS
Member
I think the outcome suggests that they would. I've heard that the people who work as characters have a different, stronger union than normal cast members (though I've heard that the normal union sucks). Is this true? If so hopefully the union will step in if they don't give him his job back.miles1 said:
Atta83
Well-Known Member
I am not sure alot of people would want Michael back at work. Personaly i dont know the guy but makes no right to outcast him. Yes, he does have this on his record now.
I kind of find it funny how the girl changed her stroy a few times and never got it straight. And also how the jurors said how can we prove that it was him under the mask at all.......
I kind of find it funny how the girl changed her stroy a few times and never got it straight. And also how the jurors said how can we prove that it was him under the mask at all.......
ClemsonTigger
Naturally Grumpy
Slander
Most of all. I feel sorry for Michael. I hope someone on the inside, possibly that knows him can update us on a (hopefully) decent (just can't imagine happy) ending for him. I hope he gets some support from Disney in getting things back together, salary and all.
I wish he could countersue, but as has been said, that is nearly impossible.
I'm glad I got the info here, as unfortunately, our local news (as most others) telecast the lawsuit and charges, but doesn't bother with the dismissal update (it just isn't sensational enough).
Most of all. I feel sorry for Michael. I hope someone on the inside, possibly that knows him can update us on a (hopefully) decent (just can't imagine happy) ending for him. I hope he gets some support from Disney in getting things back together, salary and all.
I wish he could countersue, but as has been said, that is nearly impossible.
I'm glad I got the info here, as unfortunately, our local news (as most others) telecast the lawsuit and charges, but doesn't bother with the dismissal update (it just isn't sensational enough).
CrackerJack
Member
It's a sad world we live in.
It's sad that the sickness that is abuse even permeates Disney.
It's sad that 13 year old girls need to even know what inappropriate touch is.
It's sad that Michael has to lose his job because the corporation needs to separate itself from the accused in these situations.
It's sad that the family will probably bring all of this up again in a civil trial, in pursuit of the almighty dollar (because if it was actual abuse, how does money make it any better).
It's sad that eventually characters will probably not even be allowed to touch children, unless the parents sign a waiver.
It's sad that there are people out there who would use a character costume and a child's innocence to get their sick thrills.
If inclined, take a moment and pray for this world and the path that it is on ...
It's sad that the sickness that is abuse even permeates Disney.
It's sad that 13 year old girls need to even know what inappropriate touch is.
It's sad that Michael has to lose his job because the corporation needs to separate itself from the accused in these situations.
It's sad that the family will probably bring all of this up again in a civil trial, in pursuit of the almighty dollar (because if it was actual abuse, how does money make it any better).
It's sad that eventually characters will probably not even be allowed to touch children, unless the parents sign a waiver.
It's sad that there are people out there who would use a character costume and a child's innocence to get their sick thrills.
If inclined, take a moment and pray for this world and the path that it is on ...
stuart
Well-Known Member
Well its great news...but sadly all a bit to late for michael who has lost his fiance and job and will now have to live with the trial forever and also the way that many people will now see him, not being sure if he is a trustworthy person etc. I dont think that, but it is something many people will think as people do judge based on superficial facts and from what they hear in the media. It is a problem he mite encounter with future employers, many of whom are not keen to employ someone with a tarnished record, even though they are innocent, as it is the reaction of cleints and customers that ultimately matters, which is a shame.
I think that Disney should pay him for the money he lost and offer him his job back even if he does not want to take it. I also hope for the poor guy that he can sort his personal life out as well.
Characters have put their hands round girls and young women for years without any problems as people think its part of an act and more often than not want them to as the reason they come is to get close with the characters.
The family said that they will never return to WDW well all i can say is that im sure there a lot of people who wouldnt like to see them return as they have done lots to tarnish the magic as others in this and other threads have stated. I dont think i should really go into it all. It is also quite sad if they start more action to try and get some money as it will be clear what the prime aim of the court case were. The case in the first place has been a complete waste of time as no good has come of it at all, and surely any further action would just do more harm so i certainly hope that the family concerned do not begin any more legal action.
I think that Disney should pay him for the money he lost and offer him his job back even if he does not want to take it. I also hope for the poor guy that he can sort his personal life out as well.
Characters have put their hands round girls and young women for years without any problems as people think its part of an act and more often than not want them to as the reason they come is to get close with the characters.
The family said that they will never return to WDW well all i can say is that im sure there a lot of people who wouldnt like to see them return as they have done lots to tarnish the magic as others in this and other threads have stated. I dont think i should really go into it all. It is also quite sad if they start more action to try and get some money as it will be clear what the prime aim of the court case were. The case in the first place has been a complete waste of time as no good has come of it at all, and surely any further action would just do more harm so i certainly hope that the family concerned do not begin any more legal action.
donsullivan
Premium Member
I just saw a report on the local news that Michael C. has a meeting with Disney tomorrow morning to learn the fate of his job. I certainly hope Disney will do the right thing and not just try to protect themselves.
He has said he's not sure he could be in a character costume again but would like to be a character greeter.
On a side note, Michael's attorney who has played Tigger part time for the last 7 years is anticipating that he will be fired for breaking the cardinal rule that 'no character shall ever be seen in public with it's mask off'. According to the reports he was the one that requested the costume from Disney and also the one who did not want the color altered for the proceedings. He's acknowledged it's pretty likely and said it was worth it.
He has said he's not sure he could be in a character costume again but would like to be a character greeter.
On a side note, Michael's attorney who has played Tigger part time for the last 7 years is anticipating that he will be fired for breaking the cardinal rule that 'no character shall ever be seen in public with it's mask off'. According to the reports he was the one that requested the costume from Disney and also the one who did not want the color altered for the proceedings. He's acknowledged it's pretty likely and said it was worth it.
Based on what I've heard about this case, I do think the verdict was correct. But I did find those pictures shown at trial a bit strange in terms of the placement of his hands. I know he denied that not all of those pics were of him. Still I gotta check my pics with various characters, but i think every character has always placed their arms/hands over my shoulder and not under my arm.
MKT and ANY OTHER DISNEY CASTMEMBER HERE: What was the general sentiment or opinion about this case and Michael at Disney. MKT , for some reason I think i remember reading that you are or were a disney castmember, though im not entirely positive.
MKT and ANY OTHER DISNEY CASTMEMBER HERE: What was the general sentiment or opinion about this case and Michael at Disney. MKT , for some reason I think i remember reading that you are or were a disney castmember, though im not entirely positive.
mrtoad
Well-Known Member
donsullivan said:
Unfortunatly for him this would be very difficult even if Disney agreed because people have seen his face and many will have come to their own conclusions which is a shame, but it is the way things work.
Also, Disney does not have to offer him a job other than the one he had originally. Hopefully they offer him his old job back, whether he takes it or not.
chancellor said:
You've got it backwards. Statements made in a judicial proceeding are public record (and transcripts are often available to those with the research tools to get them). Well, most statements are. The ones that are "privileged" are statements made (in privacy) to one's attorney, etc.
Timekeeper