"Why Did Only White Children Get Hugs?" Footballer Outraged After Visit to Disneyland with Son

Raphinha Claims Racial Discrimination at Disneyland Paris
Says Mascot Ignored His Son While Hugging Only White Children

FC Barcelona forward Raphinha (full name Rafael Dias Belloli) claimed that he and his son were subjected to racial discrimination during their visit to Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vall?e, France. On September 6 (local time), foreign media outlets such as the Daily Mail reported that Raphinha posted a video on his social networking service (SNS) Story showing his two-year-old son visiting Disneyland Paris.

Happinya SNS

In the video, Raphinha’s son is seen waiting in line, watching other children hug the Disneyland mascots. However, Raphinha’s son was ignored. Raphinha even brought his son closer to the staff member in the mascot costume and lifted him up to chest height to make eye contact with the mascot, but the mascot did not acknowledge him at all.

Angered by the incident, Raphinha posted the video on SNS, writing, “My son just wanted a hug from the mascot,” and added, “No one should be treated like this, especially not a child.” He further expressed his outrage by stating, “The staff at Disneyland Paris should be ashamed.” He continued, “Your job is to make children happy, not to ignore them. I understand it can be difficult, but why did all the white children get hugs except for my son?”

Online users who heard about the incident expressed their agreement with Raphinha’s message that “children should be happy,” and reacted with shock that such an incident could occur at a theme park where diversity and inclusivity should be guaranteed. Others who had similar experiences shared their own stories. One user commented, “If even Raphinha’s son experiences racial discrimination like this, imagine what it’s like for ordinary people.” Disneyland has not yet released an official statement regarding the controversy. However, after the incident, Raphinha’s wife posted an additional message on SNS, stating that “Disneyland took our concerns seriously and took action afterward.” She also released a photo showing their child touching hands with a staff member dressed as Mickey Mouse in a separate area.