Yahoo News Martin Clunes sparks outrage by riding an elephant
Martin Clunes has been dropped as patron of an animal charity after riding a "captive, wild" elephant on an ITV show.
The actor has been on the receiving end of a social media backlash after he mounted the elephant in last week's episode of My Travels And Other Animals.
Former Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson took to Twitter to voice her anger, writing: "This has really pissed me off this morning. What a dick."
this has really pissed me off this morning. what a dick. #DONTRIDEELEPHANTS pic.twitter.com/P3H8oum5Ih
- Lucy Watson (@imLucyWatson) May 11, 2019
Related: This Morning's Phillip Schofield forced to apologise after Martin Clunes goes on a sweary rant
In a statement released by Born Free, the animal charity which has since dropped Clunes, they said they said are "resolutely against" the practise of riding elephants.
The statement reads: "Born Free has always been opposed to the exploitation of captive wild animals for entertainment and human interactions.
"There is clear evidence that training, keeping and riding captive elephants causes distress and suffering."
In the episode, Clunes is seen climbing on top of the elephant and apologising, saying: "I didn't want to hurt her." Prior to that, he had expressed concerns about riding the mammal.
Related: Martin Clunes' Warren viewers think they've figured out the biggest problem with the sitcom
The Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin star is no longer listed as a celebrity patron on Born Free's website, but it still features a statement from the actor praising the charity.
It reads: "I like to do whatever I can for Born Free whenever I am asked. I love the Born Free Foundation, it steps in wherever there's an animal facing cruelty, abuse or unfairness of any kind... any animal in any place.
"It's a truly unique resource for wildlife conservation with a knowledge base built on years of work in the field in so many countries with so many different species. You should love it too."
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