“Jackass” Star Steve-O Arrested in Epic Protest of SeaWorld’s Abuse of Whales

Written by Derrick Broze at theantimedia.org

SeaWorld, the controversial animal theme park, is back in the news once again. This time, the park was the focus of a stunt by Steve-O, former star of the TV show, “Jackass.”

On Sunday evening, Steve-O posted a video to his Facebook page with the caption, “It’s stunt time.” The video showed Steve-O beginning his climb up a 100-foot construction crane in Hollywood. He was carrying an inflatable Orca whale balloon and also lit fireworks when he reached the top of the crane.

After more than 80 firefighters and 30 LAPD officers arrive at the scene, Steve-O descended from the crane and turned himself in to the officers. According to the Los Angeles Times, he will be fined for trespassing, setting a firework without a permit, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

The stunt was live-streamed through Facebook in protest of SeaWorld’s treatment of Orca whales. Steve-O was arrested wearing a “Blackfish” shirt. Blackfish is the title of a 2013 documentary that investigated claims of abuse of orca whales and how such treatment may have provoked violent behavior that lead to the deaths of three people. SeaWorld has faced a wave of backlash since the release of the documentary.

MintPress News recently reported on the company’s decreasing profits:

“SeaWorld has suffered a 84% collapse in profits as customers have deserted the controversial aquatic theme park company following claims it mistreated orca whales.The company, which trains dolphins and killer whales to perform tricks in front of stadiums full of spectators, on Thursday reported declines in attendance, sales and profits because of ‘continued brand challenges.’”

Steve-O’s stunt will likely only catalyze growing opposition to these animal theme parks. As of Monday afternoon, videos of his stunt have been viewed by over 9 million people worldwide.

Steve-O was recently fined for vandalism in a separate incident in San Diego, where he defaced a freeway exit sign for Sea World Drive by changing it to “Sea World Sucks.” Watch the videos of the latest protest below.

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