Lewis Hamilton reportedly blocked UFC star Jon Jones on social media after Jones shared a video of himself hunting pigs from a helicopter using an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. The seven-time Formula One world champion, a long-time animal rights advocate, was furious over the method of the hunt.
Jones recounts Hamilton's message
Jones recounted the incident, saying: 'Lewis Hamilton, I went hunting years ago with a bunch of army rangers and we ended up hunting pigs from a helicopter using AR-15's. I was so proud of myself because I killed one of the pigs from the helicopter. My pig was donated to an underprivileged family in the community. But Lewis saw me shoot the pig from the helicopter and he wrote me a long message saying that I was a coward and he thought I was better than that.'
Jones added that Hamilton told him: 'The traditional way of killing animals should be with a spear or bow and arrow. He said only a coward could shoot an animal from a helicopter, give the animal a chance to fight you back at least.' Jones then said: 'He unfollowed me and he blocked me. It sucked because I was a fan of him. He was very disappointed in me.'
Original post and Jones' response
The original post from Jones read: 'One shot, one kill, lots of bacon. Was an honour hunting with Medal of Honour recipient Patrick Payne.' After criticism, Jones responded: 'I apologise if this video makes some of you guys uncomfortable, at the same time I’m excited for my shipment of meat to get to Albuquerque. I took my time with that first shot to make sure the animal did not suffer. Bet half you guys that are offended eats sausages and bacon on a daily basis.'
Hamilton's animal rights stance
Hamilton has long been an outspoken advocate for animal rights. He switched to a plant-based diet in 2017, saying: 'I urge you to do some research, find the compassion I know you have within you to recognise what you are contributing to in terms of what you eat which keeps the meat and dairy industry flourishing and therefore, deforestation, animal cruelty, our seas and climate decaying on a daily basis.'
