ORLANDO, Fla. — The Walt Disney Company stated it will not seek to go to arbitration with the family of a woman who died of severe food allergies after eating at Disney Springs, according to a new statement from the company.


What You Need To Know

  • Disney is no longer seeking arbitration in a wrongful death lawsuit against the company and will continue with proceedings in court 

  • The company initially motioned to toss the lawsuit, claiming the plaintiffs signed up for a Disney+ trial, which has terms saying any dispute with the company must be settled out of court 

  • The case revolves around Kanokporn Tangsuan, a doctor from New York, who died on Oct. 5, 2023 after dining with her husband and mother-in-law at a restaurant located on Disney Spring property

It's a reversal from the multi-billion dollar company’s stance last week, , in which the company had faced backlash over its legal strategy in the case, which stemmed from the family's acceptance of terms and conditions while signing up for a trial of Disney+.

"At Disney, we strive to put humanity above all other considerations," said Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro in a statement. "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 have experienced such a painful loss. As such, we've decided to waive our right to arbitration and have the matter proceed in court."

The case revolves around Kanokporn Tangsuan, a doctor from New York, who died on Oct. 5, 2023, after dining with her husband and mother-in-law at a restaurant located on Disney Spring property.

The suit was filed by Tangshan’s husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, against Disney earlier this year in Orange County, Fla.

Piccolo alleges that the Ragland Road Irish pub at Disney Springs did not take enough care over his wife’s severe allergies to dairy and nuts, despite being repeatedly told about them. Disney does not own the restaurant.

Disney initially motioned the case to be settled out of court, with the company's lawyers claiming the terms and conditions of Disney+ say any dispute must be settled out of court through arbitration.

An Oct. 2 hearing had been scheduled on Disney's motion in county court in Orlando. It's unclear if that hearing will still take place.