It is normal for cartoon characters to have archenemies. Jem and the Holograms had major beef with The Misfits. And Inspector Gadget was constantly batting Dr. Claw. But an unlikely cartoon rival erupted in real life in the middle of Times Square. They didn’t just push each other around either. Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty ripped off their costume heads and had a full on brawl. Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty were arrested on Thursday for fighting. The New York Daily News identified them as Sandra Mocha, 34, of Queens, and Giovanna Melendez, 40, of New Jersey. The report from the Daily News claimed they were fighting over hugs tips. Jake Rullman who caught the fight on camera posted pics to Twitter of Minnie without her mask and getting handcuffed. Both Minnie and Hello Kitty were changed with assault. But even worse, they have probably scarred every child for life who was in Times Square. Or as Gothamist stated, they probably ensured “a thickening of child therapists’ wallets nationwide.” Most of the costumed characters in NYC are not sanctioned by the city or any business. They are just people hoping to make a buck or two. According to The New York Times, the characters have been fighting with the city for the right to accept (and in come cases even demand) tips for photos. The New York City Council wants to get the characters fingerprinted before they start hugging little children and demanding money. They also want them to pay up to $170 for a two-year license to accept the tips. However, the battle between the characters and the city pales in comparison to the war between the characters for territory aka tourists’ money. In 2013, a New York Post reporter joined the team as an undercover Winnie the Pooh, and he did not receive a friendly welcome. New York Council member Peter Vallone said in 2013, “A dangerous character could be hiding in a cuddly character.” His response came after Elmo was arrested for attempting to extort $2 million from the Girl Scouts of the USA. In what might be the most famous cartoon case in Times Square, a man dressed a Spider-Man punched a cop. Most of the characters are honest folks just trying to make money. Yahoo News interviewed a number of the people working as cartoon characters in Times Square. An Elmo character aka Edwin Garcia said, “Most of us are just trying to make a living.” He dresses as Elmo to help support his wife and 7-month-old daughter. View Slideshow: Strange But True News Hall of Fame
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Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty Fight, Get Arrested in Times Square
