Family of William Chapman killed in tiger attack slam ‘deeply offensive’ reaction to his death as Trump shares AI video
The family of William Chapman, the man who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, has said that ‘deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress’ after Donald Trump reposted a widely shared video of the incident.
The US President, 80, posted footage of Chapman being fatally attacked to 13 million followers on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening (12 October).
He wrote alongside the clip, which showed the tiger clawing at Chapman but not him being killed, “Don’t ever mess with nature!”
He later posted a bizarre AI clip of himself playing with a tiger, alongside the song ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’.
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The beginning of the clip disturbingly shows Trump putting his finger up to the animal, which mirrors the actual footage of Chapman’s last moments.
Chapman, 23, entered the tiger enclosure at the Doncaster Zoo on Saturday (10 October) and was set upon by the wild animal, with footage of the distressing incident circulating on social media.
He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, and the park has remained closed since, with staff working closely with the authorities.
After Trump shared the clip on Tuesday evening, Chapman’s family paid tribute to him as a ‘bright, warm and engaging young man,’ while hitting out at the videos being recirculated.
As per the Press Association, the statement read: “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.”
It continues: “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.
“William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom 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.”
Since the incident, the City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, confirmed it has 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 also clarified that ‘many, many people’ had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and confirmed he is ‘safe and well’ and will not be euthanised.
Tyla has contacted the White House for comment.
Topics: Donald Trump, Social Media, Mental Health, News, UK News
Madison Burgess