Disneyland Paris Hosts Fake Wedding, Sparking Fraud Investigation

French authorities were investigating two individuals on Sunday following a suspected staged wedding ceremony at Disneyland Paris involving a young girl. The event, which took place early Saturday morning before the park opened to the public, was initially presented as a private wedding.

Disneyland staff became suspicious when they observed the apparent bride, who was wearing a wedding dress, was underage. This prompted them to alert the police. Subsequent investigations by the local prosecutor’s office in Meaux confirmed that the ceremony was not a legitimate wedding.

According to the deputy local prosecutor, the event was a staged production, filmed with approximately 100 extras. The organizers had privately rented Disneyland Paris under the pretense of a real wedding. Four individuals were initially taken into custody.

The two individuals still being questioned on Sunday were suspected of fraud and money laundering. One of them, a 22-year-old man believed to be British, was allegedly the organizer and the fake groom. A 24-year-old Latvian woman was also being questioned.

The young girl, who is Ukrainian, was determined not to have been subjected to any form of abuse or coercion. Her 41-year-old mother and a 55-year-old Latvian man were released after questioning.

Disneyland Paris, a popular destination for weddings at a premium price, was the backdrop for the staged event. The reasons behind the fake wedding and the child's role remain unclear.

Reports indicated that the extras, who believed they were attending a genuine wedding, were transported to the location by bus. One extra recounted witnessing the park staff's reaction and realizing the bride's young age.

Disneyland Paris confirmed that the event was immediately cancelled after irregularities were discovered. The park is cooperating with the authorities and has filed its own legal complaint.