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Disney Removes Controversial Trump-Haired Walt Silhouette After Backlash

BBG News

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary festivities have had an unusual commencement as a newly installed silhouette in the Esplanade mysteriously disappeared without any official statement from Disney. The figure, intended to portray Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse together, quickly caught everyone’s attention due to its distinctive hairstyle that some compared to none other than former President Donald J. Trump.

The dispute started when themepark content creator Five Fires posted a photo of an ornamental outline on X, which soon became a popular topic. Eagle-eyed fans spotted something peculiar: unlike the famous “Partners” statue silhouette, this depiction of Walt had a distinctive, sharply angled hairline that resembled President Trump’s signature style.

And now, it’s gone.

Unknown character holding mickeys hand has been removed from the esplanade

— 🔥 FIVE FIRES 🔥 (@thecalibae) May 12, 2025

Initially reporting the event, Five Fires provided confirmation that the discreet replacement of X had taken place, as evidenced by a recently-taken photograph showing the decoration on the Esplanade, conspicuously lacking the enigmatic figure.

The inscription clearly states: “The individual, whose identity is not known, who was holding Mickey’s hand, has been taken away from the Esplanade.

No fanfare. No press release. No clarification from Disney.

The act of discreetly adjusting the image stirs up further curiosity than the initial concept did. If the Trump-esque silhouette was meant to represent Walt Disney, one must wonder about the purpose of changing his profile to include such a distinct and well-known hairstyle. Was it merely an oversight or a deliberate choice? In case it wasn’t Walt Disney, then who is the mystery figure? And why does this unidentified individual appear to be holding Mickey Mouse’s hand?

Various theories circulated on social media following the initial post of the image. Some enthusiasts suggested that perhaps the design team had aimed to update Walt’s outline without fully considering the potential visual impact. Others playfully remarked that it resembled a political homage, whether intentional or not. Many more questioned how this significant departure from Disney’s meticulously maintained brand imagery could have passed through the approval process.

For many years, the silhouette of Walt and Mickey has been a beloved and instantly identifiable emblem of the company’s rich history. The traditional depiction, found in bronze at the heart of Disneyland Park and on numerous items of merchandise, shows Walt with a neatly trimmed face, an indistinct hairstyle, and a timeless elegance. However, the recent addition to the 70th anniversary decoration deviated from this style – something that fans quickly picked up on.

It’s no wonder Disney chose to take down the content, considering the strong response it received. However, what is surprising (though, in retrospect, not entirely unexpected) is their lack of openness about this decision. Given Disney’s focus on narrative and emotional bonds with its audience, it seems unusual that they would choose silence rather than addressing the matter directly.

On different occasions, Disney has subtly adjusted their approach following fan criticism. In recent times, we’ve observed swift revisions, unexpected modifications, and even covert edits to theme parks and media content—frequently after a groundswell of online dissent arises. A recent example is the removal of an AI-created painting from the Disneyland Haunted Mansion gift shop, which Disney discreetly took down after approximately X users ridiculed the imagineering department for its perceived lack of creativity.

In this specific situation, it might have been a straightforward decision to steer clear of additional disputes given the company’s image was already delicate at a sensitive period. As Disney’s management is under close observation, the firm is dealing with ongoing pressure from fans, shareholders, and even political figures, it seems that avoiding any unwitting political ties has become a critical concern now.

Although the shape has vanished, the queries persist. What led to its authorization? Who crafted this design? And, astonishingly, how could the entire Disney team fail to notice what took mere seconds for the online community to spot?

Until further clarification arises, my tale, “Walt with a Trump-like mane,” will continue as an intriguing and peculiar episode within Disney’s evolving saga of navigating its rich heritage.

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2025-05-13 00:49

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