Culture
VIDEO: Protesters outside Florida's Disney World wave Nazi flags
At least one person can be heard yelling “white power” and homophobic slurs through a megaphone, according to a video
June 12, 2023 6:34am
Updated: June 12, 2023 6:34am
A video uploaded to social media shows a group of protesters outside the Walt Disney World theme park in Orlando on Saturday afternoon waving flags with Nazi insignia, according to authorities.
Orange County police officers responded to reports of a demonstration outside the theme park at the intersection of Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Apopka Vineland Road, near the “Walt Disney World” sign.
Many of those who attended the protest waved flags with swastikas. At least one person can be heard yelling “white power” and homophobic slurs through a megaphone, according to a video uploaded to Twitter by Rep. Anna V. Eskamani.
Nazis outside of Walt Disney World right now — absolutely disgusting. pic.twitter.com/WeXtRi3OSL
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) June 10, 2023
"We are aware of these groups that aim to agitate and incite people with anti-Semitic symbols and slurs. They are also aware of the law," the office said in a statement.
"The Orange County Sheriff’s Office deplores hate speech in any form, but people have the First Amendment right to demonstrate," the statement continues.
After about two hours, the protesters headed back home. No one was arrested. The site is technically outside the Walt Disney World property and has seen demonstrations in the past.
Last May, protesters with Nazi flags were also spotted at the same location flying Nazi flags.
“It's a sad day for humanity when even Disney World — the 'happiest place on earth' — is not immune to blatant antisemitism," said the Florida Holocaust Museum about the incident at the time.
"Displays of Nazi imagery are repugnant, and this demonstration was clearly meant to offend and provoke," it said. "No family should be confronted with threatening symbols of hate, least of all on vacation."