News Digest

Jackass star Steve-O arrested after SeaWorld crane protest

Jackass star Steve-O has been arrested after climbing a crane dozens of metres high in a protest against SeaWorld. Emergency crews were called to a construction site in Hollywood where the 41-year-old was 30m (100ft) above the ground. Lieutenant Michael Ling said that when Steve-O, whose full name is Stephen Glover, reached the top he inflated a killer whale balloon with “SeaWorld Sucks” written on it. He climbed down on his own and was taken into custody. Steve-O told fans about his daredevil plans earlier in the day when he posted a photo of himself with “Shammy” the inflatable whale in what looked like a back garden.

This is Shammy. We’re going to do a big dangerous stunt in Los Angeles tomorrow that will probably get me in a lot of trouble, and you can watch it happen via a live stream, right here on Facebook, starting at exactly 7pm PST. See you then… #yeahdude.

Steve-O, writing on Facebook shortly before the stunt

The star posted videos from the top of the crane where he expressed his surprise that so many police cars were gathering below. He later wrote: “Anyone wanna bail me out of jail?” Lt Ling said several ambulances and fire trucks were sent to the scene because first responders were unsure whether Glover needed to be rescued. Firefighters prepared a cushion in case of a fall. SeaWorld has seen a rise in criticism about its treatment of animals since the release of the documentary Blackfish, which focuses on the treatment of killer whales, including one which was involved in the deaths of three people.