One Direction slammed for using chimpanzee in new ‘Steal My Girl’ music video

Animal rights activists have called for One Direction to cut immediately a scene containing a chimpanzee from their new music video. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have contacted the boy band to express their concern about the primate and other wild animals, including a lion, which feature in the Steal My Girl video. The organisation claims the animal trainer who provided the chimp, called Eli, for the shoot has violated aspects of the US Animal Welfare Act in the past.

PETA is asking that the boys immediately cut the scene with the chimpanzee and the other wild animals, pledge never to work with animals again and donate a percentage of the proceeds from the song to an organisation that rescues chimpanzees and cares for them properly.

PETA statement

PETA wants the group to pledge never to work with wild animals again and donate a percentage of their proceedings from the single to an animal welfare charity. However, the production company behind Steal My Girl, Fulwell 73, defended its choice of trainer and said Steve Martin has had an exemplary and highly respected career for the last 44 years. The music video, from One Direction’s new album Four, also stars the American actor Danny DeVito. None of the band members have responded to PETA’s complaint.

Nothing is more valuable to our productions than ensuring the safety for all of our crew and cast, especially the safety of our cast members provided by Steve Martin.

Fulwell 73, the production company

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