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Clash in the castle: Medieval Times dinner theater insiders allege animal cruelty, sexual harassment
Former Medieval Times performers and employees allege in lawsuits that the dinner theatre chain tolerated animal cruelty, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and retaliation. The claims raise questions about whether the company’s celebrated image of chivalry reflects the treatment of its workers and animals.
A former castle queen, Kaitlyn Farrell, alleges that female staff faced unwanted advances and that she was retaliated against after witnessing a harassment investigation and joining a strike. Her lawsuit also describes costume interference, online abuse and stalking; the company did not comment on the suit, while former knight Bill Elliot called her allegations false. Founded in Florida in 1983, Medieval Times employs more than 2,000 people at 10 sites in the United States and Canada.
In short
- Former staff allege harassment, discrimination and animal cruelty.
- Kaitlyn Farrell’s lawsuit describes retaliation and online abuse.
- The chain has 10 castles and more than 2,000 employees.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
If the allegations are substantiated, the company should be held accountable for failing to protect workers and animals, and for retaliating against people who raised concerns. A public-facing tradition of chivalry makes transparency and fair treatment especially important, while allegations of harassment and abuse deserve serious investigation.
The case against
The allegations remain claims in lawsuits, and the company has not commented on this suit; a former knight has called Farrell’s allegations false. The company and those accused should have a fair chance to respond, and conclusions about responsibility should await evidence and due process rather than follow from the allegations alone.