A longtime Disneyland performer has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging he was pushed out in favor of younger employees and suffered reputational damage due to unsubstantiated rumors. Bill Lewis, who worked at the park for 33 years, claims his hours were significantly reduced and he was excluded from performing opportunities after Disneyland reopened in April 2021.

Lewis, a member of the Dapper Dan Quartet and the Bootstrappers Pirate Band, began his career at Disneyland in 1992. According to the lawsuit, when the park resumed operations following the COVID-19 shutdown, Lewis discovered through a group text that the Bootstrappers had returned to performing without him. Lewis, who turned 65 that July, asserts that Disney sidelined many of its older regular performers, replacing them with substantially younger musicians.

He alleges that management initially stated a prioritization of full-time cast members over "Casual Regular" employees. However, Lewis claims he later discovered that a younger musician performing his former duties held the same "Casual Regular" status.

The lawsuit also details claims of defamation, stating that another cast member allegedly spread rumors about Lewis making disparaging comments regarding a park director's sexual orientation. The suit emphasizes that this allegation was never substantiated and no witnesses ever came forward to support the claim.

As a result of these alleged actions, Lewis claims his work hours dwindled, preventing him from earning benefits. His hours reportedly decreased from 287 in 2023 to just 74 in 2024, a 74% reduction. In 2025, he reportedly worked only 14 hours.

Lewis states that after 34 years of service, he was "forced from the position he had devoted his adult life to under a cloud of false accusations and professional isolation causing lasting damage to his reputation, dignity, and legacy within the Disneyland entertainment community." He sent an email "constructively terminating his position" on March 2, 2026, stating he had "no reasonable alternative except to retire."

He is now seeking special and exemplary damages, along with attorney fees. The Walt Disney Company was contacted for comment.