Disney fires longtime Hilton Head Island Resort members B’Lou Crabbe and Shadow the Dog
While live entertainment is returning to many Disney parks and resorts, one Disney resort will not bring back its live performers. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort cast member Mick Ayres, who plays resort folklore expert B’Lou Crabbe, was fired in early November. The resort’s mascot, Shadow – the dog that accompanied Ayres’ B’Lou Crabbe – was also fired by Disney.
Ayres and Shadow were put on leave when the COVID-19 pandemic closed the resort. They had not yet returned to the complex.
In a November 9 Facebook post, Ayres explained how he was released. During the first week of November, Ayres received a phone call from a “complex administratorâ€. The administrator read a short statement informing Ayres that he and Shadow would not be returning. And with that phone call, Ayres and Shadow left after 21 years at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.
According to Ayres, Disney management has continually told him that he and Shadow will be returning. Management said, “We look forward to seeing you back with Shadow. We’re just waiting for Orlando to bring all the artists back at once, â€Ayres recalls.
For the past 20 months, Disney has continued to pay for Shadow’s vet and grooming fees. Ayres was not compensated during the layoff. Additionally, Ayres honored his deal with Disney, turning down off-property performance offers.
Ayres also stated that he “believed [Disney] when we were told we were coming back.
A change.org petition has been set up to rally support for Ayres and Shadow. At the time of publication, the petition had nearly 2,600 signatures. The petition urges Disney to bring B’Lou Crabbe and Shadow back to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.
Shadow’s story is inextricably linked to the resort’s history. Legend has it that construction workers often spot Shadow while building the complex. After the complex opened, Shadow was given a house in the complex. Guests could find Shadow signs all over the resort grounds.
Where the guests would find Shadow, they would find B’Lou Crabbe (Ayres). B’Lou Crabbe entertained the guests with stories, music and magic.
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