PETA has called on filming for Gladiator 2 to stop amidst soaring temperatures deemed a ‘dangerous mix’ for horses.
The animal rights organisation has sent letters aimed at the director, Ridley Scott, and cast urging production to halt.
Cast members targeted by the campaigners included Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal amongst others.
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In the letter to Ridley Scott, obtained by TMZ, the activists have stated that both they and Animal Liberation Malta have received complaints about animal use on the set.
(Image: Getty Images)
In the correspondence PETA says it’s received whistleblower complaints alleging he’s using both horses and macaque monkeys on set while shooting in Malta.
It included a claim that at least one of the horses recently collapsed, alleging the collapse was due to extreme temperatures on the Mediterranean island.
It says: “Scorching summer heat and oppressive costumes are a dangerous mix for horses, who are naturally skittish animals, prone to flight and injury, and vulnerable to the stresses of a film set.
(Image: Getty Images)
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“The film and TV industries have a past riddled with on-set horse injuries and even deaths. We sincerely hope Gladiator 2 avoids adding another death to that list.”
PETA also lists the dangers of working with live macaques, saying they’re unpredictable and can hurt humans. They also say these monkeys are often ripped from their mothers at a young age for these types of film settings, and calling their alleged use unethical.
(Image: Getty Images)
Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike, PETA says it’s heard rumours Gladiator 2 is continuing production this week, and asks Ridley to leave live animals out of it completely, suggesting he use CGI animals instead.
A similar letter was allegedly fired off to all the actors attached to the movie, according to TMZ.
In addition to the lead stars others were implored by PETA to Ridley and relay the org’s concerns.
It’s unclear if any of them received or read the letter.
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