The family of William Chapman, who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, have said deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress after US President Donald Trump reposted a widely shared video of the incident.
Mr Trump posted footage of Mr Chapman being fatally attacked by a tiger at the park to 13 million followers on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening. The 23-year-old's family posted a tribute, also on Tuesday evening, describing him as a bright, warm and engaging young man.
They criticised the online reaction to his death and questioned what part his significant mental illness over a number of years and prescribed strong medication played in the incident.
President's posts and family reaction
The US president accompanied the short clip – which showed the animal biting and clawing Mr Chapman as he sat in the enclosure, but not him being killed – with the signed message: "Don’t ever mess with nature!"
On Wednesday morning Mr Trump followed this up with another post – this time an AI-generated video of him grappling with a tiger, which appears to mimic the original. The clip, accompanied by the Tight Fit song The Lion Sleeps Tonight, features the president copying the pointing gesture made by Mr Chapman, and ends with him hugging the animal.
Downing Street said people should respect the views of Mr Chapman's family but would not directly comment on Donald Trump posting the videos online. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "I think obviously the family have made their position clear. Of course, we respect that position."
But he added: "I’m not going to comment on the president's social media channels, he’s got a press secretary who can speak to that."
Inquest and family tribute
An inquest is due to open into Mr Chapman's death at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday morning. Mr Chapman was mauled to death when he entered the tiger enclosure at the park in Doncaster on Saturday. He had suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years, his family said in their statement.
His family continued: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
"The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
"The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did."
In the statement, his family added: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man who his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.
"Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication. It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
Background and investigation
As a child, Mr Chapman appeared in ITV’s May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter actress Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series, according to IMDB. He previously attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
In a tribute shared on Facebook, the school said it was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of its former student, adding "we loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer".
Jackie Palmer Stage School said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student, William Chapman. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
"We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us. It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
"William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, William."
According to footage posted in reports, Mr Chapman appeared to have filmed the moment he approached the animal. A short clip, apparently posted on a now-deleted Instagram account, was filmed inside the tiger’s enclosure and the large animal can be seen lying on top of a wooden platform, a few metres in front of the camera. In the audio, the person filming can be heard breathing heavily as distant voices shout: "Oh my God" and: "Seriously."
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed on Wednesday October 14, for a fifth day following the attack. Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 when Mr Chapman, who police said was visiting the park alone, entered the enclosure. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, said on Monday it had started a health and safety investigation. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: "As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
"We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
"At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time."
In a previous statement on social media, the wildlife park said "many, many people" had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is "safe and well" and will not be euthanised.
