More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Disney's refusal to let a Maidstone dad put a Spider-Man headstone at his four-year-old son's grave has been branded "unconscionable" by an actor.
KentOnline was the first to share Lloyd Jones' desperate plea to put a proper headstone at his son Ollie's grave, some six months after his superhero themed funeral.
Days later Disney refused the Barming dad's request, saying it followed a policy started by Walt Disney himself to "preserve the same innocence and magic around our characters that brought Ollie such joy."
Yesterday Yuri Lowenthal, who provided the voice of the web-swinging hero in last year's Spider-Man game, reacted to the film giant's refusal.
He said: "This is unconscionable. Spider-Man is tied inextricably to Uncle Ben’s death. And most Disney animated films begin with the death of a parent. An act like this could literally help kids deal with death better."
Thousands have signed a petition to get Ollie his headstone and coverage has spread across the globe.
The Jones family started their appeal after Maidstone Borough Council told them they needed to get Marvel's permission for Ollie's headstone, under copyright law.
Disney purchased Marvel Entertainment in 2009.
Speaking last week, Mr Jones, a father of six, said: "I really wasn't expecting this. I felt sure Disney would allow it. Characters die in their films.
"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."
