Disneyland veteran sues, alleging replacement by younger talent after COVID reopening

Bill Lewis, a Disneyland performer for 33 years and longtime member of the Dapper Dans and Bootstrappers Pirate Band, claims Disney sidelined older cast members in favor of younger talent after the park reopened post‑COVID, slashing his hours and allegedly blackballing him due to rumors about a director’s sexuality; after decades with the company, he retired in 2026 and is seeking damages and attorney fees in a new lawsuit.