Rough Hug From Disneyland Pluto Sends Boy To The Hospital, Mother Claims

A California mom says her son was hugged with so much force during a Disneyland character greeting that the boy was injured and had to be taken to a hospital, according to reports in the local media.

Laurie Ramirez told KTLA that her 8-year-old child was “tossed around like a rag doll” by Pluto on Thursday, and that he suffered injuries to his back and neck as a result.

Video of the incident shows the boy running into Pluto's arms, and getting bent backwards and lifted off his feet during the hug.

Ramirez told TMZ that when she asked park workers for a wheelchair, they refused. She then requested medical attention, and her son was taken to a hospital.

Disney told KTLA that it could not confirm reports that a park worker had been disciplined over the incident or that the company had offered to pay medical expenses.

“We are in contact with the family and are in the process of gathering the facts," the company said in an email statement to the station.

A Disney spokesperson also told TMZ that it was unlikely that a request for a wheelchair would be refused.