Credit: Thomas Kinkade StudiosIf you’ve visited Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, you’ve seen a Thomas Kinkade painting. The late artist was known for his realistic and idyllic art style, much of which was inspired by Disney Parks and characters. The Walt Disney Company still sells puzzles, prints, and other merchandise featuring reproductions of his paintings. The company he started, Thomas Kinkade Studios, still produces new Disney art.
But few are familiar with the complicated history behind the legendary painter. Kinkade ultimately died of an overdose after struggling with alcoholism for years, a disease that drove him to questionable behavior, according to surviving relatives and employees.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Kinkade once publicly urinated on a Winnie the Pooh statue at Disneyland Hotel and was overheard saying, “This one’s for you, Walt.” He was known for belligerent drunk outbursts, though he vehemently denied those accusations and considered them overblown.
The newspaper also alleged that Kinkade openly groped a woman’s breasts during a sales event in Indiana. His mother recalled once calming Kinkade as he repeatedly shouted “Codpiece! Codpiece” at magicians performing in Las Vegas. Two years before his death, he was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Reddit user u/IHad360K_KarmaDammit recently posted about some of the artist’s more controversial behavior, leading some to wonder why Disney still sells his work.
“You mean a guy propped up as a ‘Christian’ success story turned out to be an incredible piece of sh*t just peddling his grift?” said u/apathyduck. “I am just shocked. At least these people will have learned an important lesson and won’t fall for the next charlatan.”
“I dont think Disney gave a d*mn about it because they still sell Kinkade/Disney merch to this day,” u/tryingtodefendhim wrote.
Should Disney continue selling Thomas Kinkade’s work? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments.