Disneyland's 'Evil Queen' Sabrina Von Bogenberg Confirms She Was Fired Over Viral Video — Here's What We Know

For years, visitors to Disneyland were greeted by the sharp wit and icy stare of the Evil Queen. Sabrina Von Bogenberg, the performer behind the viral character, became a social media sensation thanks to her deadpan exchanges with guests. Now she has confirmed the real reason why she was dismissed from her role after eight years at the park, following controversy linked to a widely shared video.

Her departure has sparked questions about Disney's strict rules, the pressures of viral fame and how performers navigate the balance between secrecy and recognition. In a recent interview, Von Bogenberg described her exit as 'abrupt' and said she had not expected to lose the role that had defined her career.

A Sudden Exit

Speaking to NewsNation, Von Bogenberg said her dismissal came suddenly and without much warning. She described her exit as 'abrupt' and said she had not expected to lose the role after years of performing as one of the park's most recognisable villains.

'I am so honoured for my time at Disney,' she said during the segment, before explaining that she was still trying to understand exactly how the situation unfolded.

Von Bogenberg, now 27, first portrayed the Evil Queen at 18 and became well-known online for her sharp, deadpan exchanges with guests. Clips of her in character began circulating several years ago and gained renewed attention on TikTok and Instagram, turning her into one of the most recognisable Disney performers on social media.

How the Viral Moment Became a Problem

During her NewsNation appearance, Von Bogenberg suggested that the incident which ultimately led to her dismissal centred on a video filmed inside the park.

In the clip, she appeared to respond to rumours that Disney villains might be removed or reduced in certain areas. According to her account, she told guests that if they wanted the Evil Queen to remain, they should speak to City Hall and make their voices heard.

She recalled, 'Guests approached me, after somehow being aware of it too, and a video of me, just not really disclosing anything but saying if guests want the Evil Queen around...' When pressed, she explained that encouraging guests to raise concerns with management was seen as inappropriate. 'Ultimately, that was a rule broken,' she added.

Von Bogenberg maintained that she was never formally told that her social media popularity itself was the reason for her dismissal. 'If that is the case, they did not make that aware to me,' she said.

Disney has not publicly commented on her claims.

Fame, Anonymity and Disney's Strict Rules

Her account broadly aligns with earlier reporting, which noted that Disney's long-standing rules around character anonymity had become harder to enforce as Von Bogenberg's online fame grew. While millions had seen her performances, her identity remained private while she was employed. 'With Disney, it is a bit scary because they want to protect the magic,' she previously explained.

She has said she made a deliberate effort not to confirm who she was until after her departure. Once free of the role, she posted a TikTok revealing herself as the Evil Queen, which quickly surpassed six million views. The response underlined how closely fans had followed her career, even without knowing her name.

Her viral popularity dates back to at least 2019, when a YouTube video of one of her park interactions began circulating. Older clips resurfaced again in 2021, helping establish her reputation for witty, fully in-character improvisation.

Among the moments that gained traction were her tongue-in-cheek references to her 'all natural' beauty and playful exchanges with other Disney characters.

Life After the Crown

Von Bogenberg has spoken openly about the physical and mental demands of the job, from wearing heavy costumes in California heat to maintaining character for hours at a time. 'Flipping that cape day in and day out was not easy,' she previously said.

During her time at Disneyland, she also portrayed Maleficent, Agatha Harkness and Lady Tremaine, though the Evil Queen remained her signature role. In her NewsNation interview, she encouraged viewers to follow her next steps on TikTok, describing herself as 'a performer who can now be herself'.

She has also told People that playing the Evil Queen had been a long-held ambition: 'It was a dream getting to do my own spin on a character that really wasn't popular before.' Fans often told her that her portrayal had changed how they saw the villain. 'I really open that door on stage, and I don't look back, and the Queen takes over,' she added.

Since her dismissal, Von Bogenberg has said she remains grateful for her time at Disney and hopes to pursue acting and theatre work. 'I'm learning how to live outside of the mouse,' she said in a previous interview.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Online reaction to her story has been divided. Some supporters argue that her interaction with guests was harmless, while others point out that Disney performers operate under unusually strict guidelines.

For now, Von Bogenberg continues to share updates with followers and build a career outside the park. Although her time as the Evil Queen has ended, the viral videos that made her famous continue to circulate, keeping her portrayal in the public eye long after her final performance.