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Are The Costumed Grifters Of Times Square Diluting Disney's Brand?
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 19, 2011
Modified Jun 19, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 19, 2011
Modified Jun 19, 2011
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As Archbishop Dolan once eloquently said: "Last time I consulted an atlas, it is clear we are living in New York, in the United States of America—not in China, or North Korea." This means that people are free to lick their shoes on the subway or dress up in costumes of popular TV and movie characters, roaming Times Square for lucrative photo opportunities with hapless tourists. But are these freedom-loving entrepreneurs breaking the law and diluting the brands of these fine american companies?
An intellectual property lawyer tells the Post that if the people wearing suits to look like Elmo, Buzz Lightyear, Mickey Mouse and Spiderman "did not get authority to do this from Disney and Sesame Street, then they are definitely in violation of several laws." We know of no law that prohibits bringing joy to small children for a "donation," which is "why most of the characters don't speak or ask for money. Instead, they just shake the bag at their side."
The Post spoke with "Elmo," who turned out to be "a Peruvian named John," who said that "the costume's were being rented by a guy named 'George' from Union City, New Jersey." After sharing this tidbit with the reporter, "A Fantasia-themed Mickey Mouse who was nearby took off his head and gave threatening looks." Great, Elmo. You broke Omerta, so presumably the next suit he gets from Union City will be made out of cement.
"Elmo" went on to say that the characters "make around $500 working Monday through Friday," and $300 on the weekend, which works out to be roughly $38K a year, presumably none of which goes to deodorant. These characters may seem like seedy byproducts of a tourism industry run amok, but someday, a Times Square Elmo might save your life.
Tagged
disney
elmo
manhattan
mickey mouse
spider-man
Times Square
tourists
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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