Man on Sex-Offender List Arrested After ‘Wedding’ with 9-Year-Old

On June 24, French authorities arrested a 39-year-old British man who attempted to stage a $115,000 wedding with a 9-year-old girl at Disneyland Paris.

The young “bride” was accompanied by her mother, amid a lavish setup of around 100 guests, although authorities later clarified it was a staged event meant for social media content, not an actual marriage.

Authorities Intervene Before Disneyland Ceremony

Disneyland staff grew alarmed when they realized the bride was a child, and the ceremony was not legitimate. They alerted police, who captured four people: the alleged “groom,” the mother, and two accomplices from Latvia, including a man who portrayed the bride’s “brother” .

Alarming Criminal Background

Prosecutors in Meaux, east of Paris, revealed that the suspect is registered in the UK sex-offender database and is wanted nationally for violating its rules, prompting French officials to emphasize that they were unaware of his background until after the arrest. French law allows authorities to deny entry to individuals posing threat to public order.

Motive Under Scrutiny

According to deputy prosecutor Alexandre Verney, the wedding setup was filmed with 100 extras as a “staged wedding”, paid for under false pretenses. The mother reportedly wanted to give her daughter a “princess experience” rather than facilitate a real marriage. Nonetheless, the suspect’s involvement raised immediate safety concerns due to his history.

The man faces serious charges, including fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, identity theft, and potentially sexual offences, should further evidence surface. He and three others are held while investigators continue gathering information, including any communications or payments leading up to the event.

Public Outrage and Online Shock

News of the arrest spread quickly, sparking global outrage across social media and traditional outlets. Many users questioned how such an elaborate—but risky—event was allowed to unfold at a family-friendly venue and demanded accountability from event planners, the child’s guardians, and Disneyland itself.

Wider Implications for Safety Protocols, Especially for Disneyland

This case raises questions about the oversight of private events in famous public venues. Critics have called for Disneyland Paris to tighten vetting processes for rented spaces and ensure child safety measures when hosts plan elaborate personalized shows. Officials may also review regulations around filming staged ceremonies involving minors.

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