Donald Trump has been heavily criticised for sharing video of a man being mauled to death by a tiger at a British wildlife park, despite calls from police not to circulate the footage.
The US President took to social media on Tuesday to share the video, captioning his post on Truth Social: “Don’t ever mess with nature! President DJT.”
Social media backlash
Social media users were quick to respond to Trump’s “sick” and “disgraceful” post, saying the president was “depraved of heart”.
One person wrote: “You are posting the death of an extremely vulnerable young man. Even for you that is low. You are a disgrace.”
“Using someones death for likes on social media when the family requested not to share this footage online. Donald Trump is a piece of s***,” said another.
Bizarrely, Trump followed up with a separate post featuring a video montage that appeared to show a series of other people being mauled by lions accompanied by an upbeat soundtrack. On Wednesday morning, the president posted an AI-generated video of himself playing with a tiger.
Victim named as William Chapman
It comes as the young man who died after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday was named as 23-year-old William Chapman.
His family said in a statement that William had suffered from “significant mental illness over a number of years” and had been prescribed strong medication. Paying tribute, William’s family described him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man” who was dearly loved.
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.
According to footage posted in reports, William appeared to have filmed the moment he approached the animal.
Tributes and investigation
As a child, William 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.
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.”
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, said on Monday it had started a health and safety investigation. Yorkshire Wildlife Park will remain closed on Wednesday for a fifth day following the attack.
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.”
The wildlife park previously confirmed that Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, would not be euthanised.
