Disney refuses to let grieving dad put Spider-Man image on four-year-old son’s grave to preserve character’s ‘innocence’
DISNEY has refused permission to a grieving dad to put a picture of Spider-Man on his four-year-old son’s grave.
Ollie Jones, who died from a rare genetic disease, was Spider-Man mad and his dad Lloyd, 36, wanted to honour his son’s memory.
Mr Jones, from Maidstone, Kent, had wanted to put an etching of the superhero on his son’s gravestone but the huge US corporation, which posted revenues of £47.2billion in 2018, has refused permission.
The film giant said it wanted to preserve Spider-Man’s “innocence”.
Mr Jones initially approached Maidstone Council about the etching but was told he would have to contact the copyright owners - which ultimately led to Disney denying his request.
Mr Jones said Disney did not want its characters associated with death.
A representative from The Walt Disney Company’s permissions department wrote: “We extend our sincere condolences. If we played a small part in Ollie’s happiness we are honoured.
“Generations of fans have responded to our characters with the same wonder and delight that Ollie did. In fact, many believe the characters to be real.
“We have striven to preserve the same innocence and magic around our characters that brought Ollie such joy.
“For that reason, we follow a policy that began with Walt Disney himself that does not permit the use of characters on headstones, cemetery or other memorial markers or funeral urns."
The father of six said: “I really wasn’t expecting this – it’s another massive blow. I felt sure they would allow it.”
I think this is all about money [...] But now he has died and we won't be spending any more money, they don't care
Ollie Jones's dad Lloyd
He added: "I think this is all about money. Ollie's last holiday was at Disneyland. He loved Spider-Man and we had bought him all the toys.
"But now he has died and we won't be spending any more money, they don't care."
Ollie died in December last year from genetic disorder leukodystrophy, which affects the brain and nervous system.
His six-year-old sister Laillah also suffers from the same disorder.
Ollie’s funeral procession in Maidstone, Kent, was led by someone dressed as Spider-Man and the character was on his coffin, too.
Uncle Jason Jones, 37, said: “This meant everything to us. My brother’s life has been shattered, it has shattered the whole family.
“We can’t move on until we have his headstone done – Spider-Man was Ollie’s entire life. He loved it so much.
“I didn’t expect it to be an issue – my funeral director, who’s also my friend called me and told me they can’t do it. I thought he was joking at first.
“We understand copyright but I don’t see why Marvel would have any issues with this.”
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A Maidstone Borough Council spokeswoman said they would do “everything they can” to help the family.
She added: “Maidstone Borough Council is trying to help a family who have asked whether they can place a Spider-Man headstone at the grave of their young son.
“Sadly, these types of stones have to adhere to copyright and while we understand this is a very emotional time for the family we have made contact with Marvel to ensure the family are complying with their terms and conditions.”
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