PETA Criticizes "I'm a Celebrity" for Animal Exploitation

PETA has criticized the long-running reality television show "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" for what it calls a "relentless reign of animal exploitation." The animal rights organization has released Halloween costumes designed to call out the show's "tacky and cruel spectacle," specifically targeting hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

The show's Bushtucker trials, which often involve contestants interacting with and consuming live animals such as spiders, mealworms, and cockroaches, have been a source of controversy for years. PETA has consistently campaigned against the program, asserting that "animal abuse is not entertainment."

The newly released PETA costumes depict the presenters as perpetrators at a crime scene, highlighting what the organization views as the cruelty inflicted upon frogs, crocodiles, spiders, rats, and insects for the show's eating trials. These costumes, retailing at $90, are available on the PETA website, with proceeds benefiting the organization's animal welfare initiatives.

PETA claims that beyond the Halloween spoof, the show has a history of mistreating animals. The organization points to instances where animals have been confined in inescapable chambers with contestants and where animal body parts have been served as food. These practices have reportedly led to numerous complaints filed with Ofcom, the United Kingdom's communications regulator.

"Unlike the celebrities who volunteer to enter the jungle, animals never sign up to be confined, terrified, or killed for a cheap laugh," said Elisa Allen, PETA Vice President of Programmes. "PETA's Halloween costumes put Ant and Dec's complicity in the spotlight and call on ITV to cut cruelty from the script and get the animals out of there."

Past incidents have drawn significant criticism and legal consequences. In 2009, ITV faced prosecution in Australia after contestant Gino D'Acampo killed and cooked a rat. The following year, the program pleaded guilty to two animal cruelty charges and paid a fine. Footage from a 2018 trial also showed a crocodile with its mouth taped shut.

PETA has also previously criticized Ofcom for not taking stronger action against the show, noting that in 2019, "I'm a Celebrity" avoided a reprimand despite 80 complaints about the use of live animals in the 2018 season. During the show's temporary move to the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the British animal welfare organization RSPCA also voiced concerns.

In response to such criticisms, an "I'm a Celebrity" spokesperson has previously stated that the production adheres to strict environmental protocols and complies with all regional and national laws regarding the use of animals. The spokesperson emphasized that animal welfare and safety are primary priorities, with qualified handlers on-site during trials and an open invitation for the RSPCA NSW to attend filming. They also affirmed that rigorous protocols are in place to ensure animals are handled safely before, during, and after filming.

PETA urges the public to call on ITV Studios to cease the alleged abuse of animals on the show. The organization, whose motto includes "animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way," offers free Empathy Kits and promotes its work through various social media platforms.