A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant from the UK has been taken into custody for allegedly shoving a teenage girl who he accused of cutting the line at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
The individual in question, Keith Newman, aged 47, reportedly pushed the 18-year-old at the Florida amusement park on February 20, causing her to stumble and spill water on a friend.
Allegedly, the incident occurred when the girl purportedly bypassed him in the queue for the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction, inspired by the character Princess Tiana from the movie The Princess and the Frog. It is claimed that he extended his arm to block her path, reiterating the presence of a line.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s arrest report, the young woman attempted to maneuver around him, but he forcefully pushed her with both hands, resulting in her falling backward into her companion and accidentally drenching herself with a water bottle. Fortunately, she did not sustain any injuries and declined medical assistance.
While Newman refuted the accusations of pushing, the victim’s friend supported the narrative during police questioning. The friend alleged overhearing Newman’s remark, “There is a queue,” before witnessing him physically impede the teenager.
Moreover, the friend asserted that the victim resisted Newman’s attempts to push her, prompting him to use both hands to propel her backward. Newman, however, maintained that he merely extended his hand, and the girl collided with it.
Following an investigation, it was concluded that there was sufficient evidence to arrest Keith Richard Newman for battery. Subsequently, he posted bail of £734 ($1,000) and returned to his residence in Lemington, Newcastle, where he resides with his partner, also an airline employee.
Meanwhile, the father of the victim condemned Newman’s actions as “inexcusable,” emphasizing the importance of respecting personal boundaries, particularly towards individuals younger and of the opposite gender. Describing his daughter as appearing younger than her age, he criticized Newman’s conduct, stressing the severity of laying hands on a minor.
The father reiterated the sentiment that physical aggression is never acceptable, especially towards a minor, highlighting the need to uphold respectful behavior and avoid resorting to violence.
