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Union Rep Says Tigger Was Trying To Escape From Teen

Posted: 4:11 pm EST January 8, 2007Updated: 6:05 pm EST January 8, 2007

A New Hampshire teenager said home video proves he was attacked by Tigger at Disney-MGM Studios. But, Channel 9 has learned Tigger said he was the one who was attacked. A union representative for him said he was pulled and was choking, adding he was just trying to escape from the teen.


SLIDESHOW: Images Taken From Home Video
HOME VIDEO: Family Says Video Shows Assault
VOTE: Do Tigger's Actions Justify Assault Charges?
VIDEO: Tigger Says Accusing Teen Actually Attacked Him

In the video, Jerry Monaco, Jr., looks as if he's using his left arm to get closer to Tigger to pose for a picture. Then, the video shows Tigger's arm go for the teen, appearing as though Tigger is hitting him.

But the man in the Tigger suit, Michael Fedelem, said through his union representative that he was the victim.

Jerry Monaco, Jr., 14, said he did nothing to provoke Tigger.

"He was clearly ticked off and, why, I have no clue. I really have no idea to why he would do it," Jerry told Eyewitness News.

The teen's father filed charges against Fedelem with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Fedelem was suspended from work by Disney for now.

The father thinks Tigger was annoyed that he was abandoned by his character escort. But Donna-Lynne Dalton, who represents more than 2,000 characters at Disney, has a different take.

"I have no idea how they would know, because, as you know, the characters do not talk," she said.

Jerry Monaco, Sr. said he took his son to the hospital a day after it happened because his son complained of neck problems. He was even prescribed a painkiller, codeine.

But Dalton said a supervisor talked to the family right after the alleged attack and they said their son was not hurt.

"As a union, we're not going to condone guests coming into the park and assaulting our members," Dalton said.

Monaco has retained an attorney. Eyewitness News asked Monaco if he's planning to file a lawsuit to get money.

"Gimme a break," he said.

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