Fact Check: "Over 100 extras were hired for a fictitious wedding ceremony."
What We Know
A recent incident at Disneyland Paris involved a staged wedding ceremony featuring a nine-year-old Ukrainian girl, which has raised significant concerns and led to criminal charges. French prosecutors reported that around 100 extras were hired to participate in this mock wedding, which was intended to be filmed privately (BBC). The event was organized by a 39-year-old British man, who is a convicted sexual offender and was arrested after Disneyland staff alerted police when they realized the nature of the ceremony (New York Times).
The extras were reportedly misled into believing they were attending a legitimate wedding. One actor expressed shock upon discovering that the bride was a child, stating, "I saw a small child with a wedding dress on... and that's when I understood that the child was really young" (Newsweek). The event was not a legal ceremony and was characterized by authorities as a "fictional" event (Sky News).
Analysis
The claim that over 100 extras were hired for a fictitious wedding ceremony is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The BBC and other news outlets confirm that approximately 100 French extras were indeed recruited to participate in this staged event (BBC, Sky News).
The sources reporting on this incident include established news organizations such as the BBC, The New York Times, and Newsweek, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking protocols. These outlets have provided consistent accounts of the events, including details about the motivations behind the mock wedding and the subsequent legal actions taken against the organizer and his accomplices.
The credibility of the sources is further reinforced by the involvement of official statements from French prosecutors, which lend authority to the claims made. The prosecutor's comments clarify that the event was staged and that the participants were not aware of the true nature of the ceremony until it was too late (BBC, Newsweek).
Conclusion
The claim that over 100 extras were hired for a fictitious wedding ceremony is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that a large number of actors were recruited for this mock event, which was not a legitimate wedding but rather a staged performance involving a minor. The incident has prompted legal action and raised serious ethical concerns regarding the exploitation of children in such contexts.
Sources
- British Man Is Charged Over Attempted Mock Wedding With Girl, 9, at Disneyland Paris
- British man charged over 'wedding' with child, 9, at Disneyland Paris - BBC
- Police called to Disneyland Paris over staged "child bride" wedding
- British man charged after 'mock wedding' with nine-year-old girl at Disneyland Paris
