Disney+ Terms Could Block Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Park: Reports

ORLANDO, FL — Fine print for the Disney+ streaming service may block a widower's wrongful death lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts after his wife died at one of the resort's restaurant, reports say.

Kanokporn Tangsuan, a New York physician allergic to nuts and dairy, was eating at a Disney Springs restaurant when she had an allergic reaction and died, USA Today reported.

Tangsuan died at the restaurant in October 2023, and her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, filed a lawsuit against the park in February, the Associated Press reported.

"Disney is arguing that the lawsuit should be dropped because the plaintiff, the woman's husband, once signed up for a trial subscription of the Disney+ streaming service. That service, they argue, includes a subscriber agreement in which the customer agrees to settle any lawsuits against Disney out of court through arbitration," the Associated Press reported.

"Such agreements, which customers quickly consent to by clicking “I agree” when downloading an app or a streaming service, are so stacked against the consumer that it's often difficult to offer good legal advice, said John Davisson, director of litigation at the Electronic Privacy Information Center."

Davisson said users are not presented the chance to negotiate terms and conditions.

Disney claimed to be a landlord for the restaurant where Tangsuan died and denied actually owning the restaurant, USA Today said.

“We are deeply saddened by the family’s loss and understand their grief. Given that this restaurant is neither owned nor operated by Disney, we are merely defending ourselves against the plaintiff’s attorney’s attempt to include us in their lawsuit against the restaurant," Disney said in a statement.

Read more via the Associated Press and USA Today.