Baseball Star's Onboard Complaint Sparks Online Debate
Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Ender Inciarte has ignited a social media storm after publicly criticising the Walt Disney Company for allowing a man dressed in women's clothing on one of its family cruises. The 35-year-old Venezuelan, a three-time Gold Glove winner and 2017 All-Star, took to the platform X to voice his displeasure following a recent holiday with the entertainment giant.
In a post directed at Disney Cruise Line, Inciarte wrote: "love your cruises! Except for the part that there are (sic) man dressed as woman. Thought you already got over it." He did not clarify whether the individual was a fellow passenger or a Disney employee.
Inciarte Defends His 'Convictions' Amid Backlash
The ex-MLB player spent several hours responding to critics who accused him of hate. In a response written in Spanish, he insisted his comment was not an attack. "It wasn't hatred or a personal attack," a translation read. "It was an opinion based on my convictions. I believe in respecting everyone, but also in calling things by their name without mockery or contempt."
He further elaborated in English, stating: "All i am saying is having my kid enter a place where a 6ft tall guy is dressed as a woman and acting like one would traumatize my kid on a family cruise. I don't think it's hate[. I] just don't want to normalize that behavior." When one user told him to go "to hell," Inciarte retorted: "No. I've been saved from that thanks to Jesus!"
Disney's Long History with Cross-Dressing Characters
Inciarte's complaint touches on a long-standing tradition in Disney's cinematic history. The media conglomerate's films have frequently featured cross-dressing characters, from Robin Hood and Little John disguising themselves as women in the 1973 animated classic, to the story of Mulan, who pretends to be a male soldier.
The company has also faced historical controversy over its LGBTQ+ policies. In the 1980s, Disney was sued for prohibiting men from dancing together at Disney World. This led to annual protests and eventually the establishment of unofficial 'Gay Days' at its parks.
Inciarte received support from Payton McNabb, the former high school volleyball player who claims she suffered brain damage after being hit by a spike from a transgender opponent. "That's my center fielder," she wrote in response to his post.
Inciarte, who is married to 2009 Miss Universe winner, Stefanía Fernández, played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and briefly the New York Mets before retiring. The Daily Mail has contacted Disney representatives for comment.
