A PETA protester interrupted the star-studded Los Angeles premiere of the much-anticipated film Twisters on Thursday, July 11 2024, calling for greater awareness of animal rights issues in Hollywood. The unexpected demonstration occurred inside the theatre, drawing significant attention from attendees and media alike.
The protester, identified as a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) member, ran down the aisle and went on the stage where the director Lee Isaac Chung, and actors Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell stood. The activist constantly shouted slogans, “There’s no excuse for animal abuse,” and held a sign.
The demonstrator’s actions momentarily halted the proceedings, causing a stir among the attendees. Security personnel quickly intervened, escorting the protester off the premises. The video is shared on Twitter X.
PETA interrupts #TWISTERS premiere pic.twitter.com/Col67zJg96
— Video Store Guy (@germ560) July 12, 2024
A greater amount of protesters were seen outside the theatre holding the signboards that read, “Stop Glamorizing Rodeos” and “Lasso Tornadoes, Not Animals.”
On Thursday night, PETA penned on Twitter X handle, “We demand a disclaimer! @universalpics, it’s time for a reality check. @Twisters’ rodeo date scene glorifies torment, violence, and death of animals.”
Twisters, a standalone sequel to the 1996 disaster film of the same name, has been in the spotlight for its high-profile cast and ambitious special effects. However, the protest has brought to light concerns about the treatment of animals in the entertainment industry.
A representative from PETA, who requested anonymity, later commented on the protest, stating, “While tornado chasers voluntarily risk their lives, the terrified animals who are mercilessly bullied in rodeo arenas and forced to recreate distressing scenarios for movies have no choice.” “PETA is calling on Universal Pictures to at least give viewers of this inhumane film the facts, which are that animals endure grievous injuries and agonizing deaths just so humans can play cowboy,” added the senior vice president Lisa Lange in her statement.
The protest at the Twisters premiere is part of a broader campaign by PETA to advocate for animal rights in various sectors. The organization also wrote on their website that “Every reputable animal protection organization opposes rodeos, which is why this summer’s biggest movie should condemn, not glamorize, this blood sport.”
While the filmmakers and cast of Twisters have not issued an official response to the protest, the incident underscores a growing movement within Hollywood to reconsider the ethical implications of using animals in entertainment. Recent years have seen an increase in the use of CGI and animatronics as alternatives to live animals, reflecting a shift towards more humane production practices.
Twisters is slated to hit the theatres on July 17, 2024.
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