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Credit: UniversalA disturbing incident at Universal Orlando Resort’s newly opened Epic Universe has sparked outrage after a TikTok video showed an adult male guest forcibly shaking the beloved roaming character, Igor. The video, which has quickly gained traction across social media, has raised concerns about guest behavior and the safety of park performers.
In the video, captured by a bystander, the adult male guest is seen aggressively yanking Igor by the arm in an apparent attempt to get the character’s attention. Igor, known for his humorous antics and beloved presence among park guests, is visibly startled by the forceful interaction. The video quickly went viral, with many viewers expressing shock and disapproval of the guest’s behavior.
Outrage on Social Media
Commenters on the video voiced their horror at what they described as a clear violation of basic respect for the performers. One commenter wrote:
“That’s not right, it should be common knowledge to not touch, let alone yank someone just to get their attention. They’re a human being, not a doll to be pulled around.”
The video has sparked a broader conversation about appropriate conduct at theme parks and the treatment of characters who are, in fact, cast members performing for guests.
While many were quick to condemn the behavior, others pointed out that incidents like this are not only harmful to the character’s well-being but also set a poor example for children and other visitors at the park. There is concern that such behavior, if unchecked, could negatively impact the overall guest experience and the safety of those portraying beloved characters.
@bestiorvm why do people think it’s okay to grip someone they just met 💔 they would not like it either and he looked so taken aback #fyp #foryoupage #fy #foryou #labrats #bestiehagrid #ygor #ygordarkuniverse #darkuniverse #darkuniverseepicuniverse #epicuniverse #universal #darkmoor #universalstudiosorlando #monstersunchained
Concerns About the Future of the Character
Many fans of Epic Universe are also expressing fear that Universal might reconsider the presence of roaming characters like Igor due to incidents of aggressive guest interactions. The fear is that if behavior like this continues, Universal may take the extreme step of removing characters from the park altogether or restricting their interactions with guests.
Roaming characters are a cherished aspect of the theme park experience, providing an opportunity for guests to interact with their favorite personalities in a more organic and engaging way. For many, these characters are a key part of the magic and charm that make the parks special. The threat of losing these interactions could impact both the atmosphere at the park and the overall guest experience.
Universal’s Responsibility in Addressing the Issue
As of now, Universal Orlando Resort has not issued a statement on the incident or how it plans to address the aggressive behavior seen in the video. However, theme parks are no strangers to dealing with inappropriate guest interactions, and the safety of both guests and performers is typically a top priority. Many are hoping that Universal will take a firm stance against this type of behavior and issue clear guidelines for guests on respecting the performers who bring their favorite characters to life.
Park management is likely to evaluate security protocols and consider measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Whether that means increased staff presence or new behavioral guidelines for guests interacting with characters remains to be seen.
A Wake-Up Call for Theme Parks
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of treating all individuals—whether they are park guests, employees, or performers—with respect and dignity. It also brings to light the vulnerability of roaming characters, who often interact closely with guests but are still subject to the unpredictability of visitor behavior.
As more guests visit Epic Universe, it is crucial for the park to foster an environment where performers are safe, respected, and able to engage with guests without fear of mistreatment. Hopefully, incidents like this will serve as a learning opportunity for both guests and the park in creating a more respectful, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.