Disney is once again under fire from conservative critics for what they perceive as the promotion of “woke” agendas. This time, the controversy stems from an incident involving an apparently male employee at a Disneyland boutique who was seen wearing a costume dress and makeup.
The incident gained significant attention after a viral video on TikTok garnered nearly 7 million views. In the video, the employee, known as the “Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice,” warmly welcomes a young girl at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Anaheim, California. Despite sporting a mustache, the employee confidently dons blue and purple eyeshadow that matches their uniform dress.
While the original video shared by influencer and mother of three, Kournti Farber, received praise for the unforgettable experience it provided to her daughter, it also ignited a storm of criticism from conservative voices. Some argued that allowing a man to dress in drag was not only inappropriate but also shattered the illusion for guests. Peachy Keenan, a conservative writer, expressed her disapproval, stating, “A man in drag is not only bizarre and inappropriate, but it takes guests out of the ‘show’ – the illusion is broken.”
Others joined the chorus of condemnation, with Dave Rubin, host of “The Rubin Report,” humorously speculating that the employee would be offered a job in the Biden administration. Conservative editor Brandon Morse lamented, “May you never suffer the same destruction of your legacy that poor Walt has.” Even Jenna Ellis, a lawyer known for her work under former President Donald Trump, took to Twitter to express her disgust, calling the situation “disgusting and wrong.”
It’s worth noting that Disney has been striving to promote inclusivity within its workforce and guest experiences. Last year, they replaced the title “Fairy Godmother in Training” with “Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices” to ensure that cast members who don’t necessarily identify as female can participate in the process of dressing up and styling children without assuming a specific gender identity.
This latest controversy surrounding Disney comes in the midst of an ongoing feud between the company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The disagreement was sparked by Disney’s public opposition to the governor’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, which aimed to limit sex and gender identity education in elementary schools. As a result, DeSantis has sought to curtail Disney’s autonomy, leading to a decline in the company’s popularity.
Disney has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the recent incident. The clash of ideologies between conservative critics and the company’s commitment to inclusivity continues to be a divisive issue, prompting ongoing debates about the boundaries of expression and acceptance in modern society.
