For years, visitors to Disneyland were greeted by the sharp wit and icy stare of the Evil Queen. Sabrina Von Bogenberg, the performer behind the viral character, became a social media sensation thanks to her deadpan exchanges with guests. Now she has confirmed the real reason why she was dismissed from her role after eight years at the park, following controversy linked to a widely shared video.
Her departure has sparked questions about Disney's strict rules, the pressures of viral fame and how performers navigate the balance between secrecy and recognition. In a recent interview, Von Bogenberg described her exit as 'abrupt' and said she had not expected to lose the role that had defined her career.
Speaking toNewsNation, Von Bogenberg said her dismissal came suddenly and without much warning. She described her exit as 'abrupt' and said she had not expected to lose the role after years of performing as one of the park's most recognisable villains.
'I am so honoured for my time at Disney,' she said during the segment, before explaining that she was still trying to understand exactly how the situation unfolded.
Von Bogenberg, now 27, first portrayed the Evil Queen at 18 and became well-known online for her sharp, deadpan exchanges with guests. Clips of her in character began circulating several years ago and gained renewed attention on TikTok andInstagram, turning her into one of the most recognisable Disney performers on social media.
During herNewsNationappearance, Von Bogenberg suggested that the incident which ultimately led to her dismissal centred on a video filmed inside the park.
In the clip, she appeared to respond to rumours that Disney villains might be removed or reduced in certain areas. According to her account, she told guests that if they wanted the Evil Queen to remain, they should speak to City Hall and make their voices heard.
She recalled, 'Guests approached me, after somehow being aware of it too, and a video of me, just not really disclosing anything but saying if guests want the Evil Queen around...' When pressed, she explained that encouraging guests to raise concerns with management was seen as inappropriate. 'Ultimately, that was a rule broken,' she added.
Von Bogenberg maintained that she was never formally told that her social media popularity itself was the reason for her dismissal. 'If that is the case, they did not make that aware to me,' she said.
Disney has not publicly commented on her claims.
Source: International Business Times UK
