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A woman is suing Disney after her seven-year-old son was allegedly refused entry to a store in Pennsylvania.
Shea Emanuel said her child, who is unable to wear a mask because he has autism, was not allowed into the Disney Store in a mall in the suburb of Whitehall, north of Philadelphia.
She said she was left "humiliated" by the experience as it played out in front of a group of people waiting to enter the store.
According to the lawsuit, Emanuel did attempt to make her son, who is referred to as N.B. in court documents, wear a mask.
However "this effort proved stressful and, ultimately, unsuccessful because the sensation of the covering on N.B's face created a very unpleasant experience for him."
He was described as being "especially distraught since he was unable to fully comprehend why he was not allowed to enter."
Responding to the lawsuit, a Disney spokesperson said: "Disney stores operate in accordance with the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act], and we will respond to the plaintiff's allegations in court at the appropriate time.
"We are always focused on the health and safety of our guests and employees, which is why we implemented a number of enhanced measures, including a face covering requirement, at our stores during this unprecedented time."
Emanuel is seeking to force Disney to make an exemption to its mask policy for those unable to wear masks as well as claiming her legal costs from the entertainment company.
Her lawyer, William Mansour of Kitay Law Offices, told Law360: "Many employers, large and small, are not aware of what their obligations are under the ADA when it comes to enforcing mask policies."
Pennsylvania's Department of Health implemented a mask mandate on July 1 covering public spaces where individuals are unable to social distance.
Exemptions were added for those who cannot wear one due to a medical condition including a "mental health condition or disability." Children under the age of two are also exempt from the mandate.
The case against Disney is one of several lawsuits filed against businesses and public agencies in relation to mask mandates.
In May, action was brought against grocery store chain Giant Eagle over its policy of requiring face masks in Pennsylvania.
Lawyers for the company said it "took every reasonable step to protect and accommodate" shoppers and staff during the pandemic.
"We are in the midst of a public health crisis. Mounting evidence indicates face coverings protect others from the transmission of COVID-19, particularly indoors," the lawyers added.
Newsweek has contacted the attorney representing Emanuel for comment.
