According to a statement issued late Monday evening, Disney Parks and Resorts officially waived its right to arbitration in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jeffrey Piccolo, the widower of Kanokporn Tangsuan. Tangsuan passed away after having a severe allergic reaction after consuming a meal at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. The woman was informed that the food was prepared safely away from dairy and nuts, and that it was safe for Tangsuan to eat.
Disney requested that the suit be thrown out of court, stating that Piccolo agreed to settle any disputes with them and any of its affiliates out of court when he signed up for a free trial of its streaming service Disney+ in 2019 and when he bought Walt Disney World theme park tickets on the Disney website in 2023.
You can read Disney’s full statement below.
At Disney, we strive to put humanity above all other considerations. With such unique circumstances as the ones in this case, we believe this situation warrants a sensitive approach to expedite a resolution for the family who [has] experienced such a painful loss. As such, we’ve decided to waive our right to arbitration and have the matter proceed in court.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman Disney Experiences
h/t: Scott Gustin
Senior Editor for the DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a '13/'14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº