(CELEBRITY NEWS/ANIMAL WELFARE) Celebrities are saying thanks, but no thanks to SeaWorld. Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride are just a few of the stars to cancel their shows due to issues raised by the SeaWorld documentary Blackfish. The film exposes the tragic circumstances around the 2010 killing of trainer Dawn Brancheau by one of the park’s orcas, and condemns the cruelties killer whales endure living in captivity.
These animal-friendly stars pulled out of SeaWorld’s 2014 “Bands, BBQ & Brew” concert series amid pressure from fans who started online petitions demanding they cancel their performance at the Florida marine park. In response, SeaWorld continues to deny any animal mistreatment and invited the stars to come to the park to see for themselves. So far, it doesn’t look like any of the performers have taken them up on the offer.
Check out the gallery below for photos of these compassionate, animal-loving artists. — Global Animal
Country legend Willie Nelson won't be performing at SeaWorld any time soon. The longtime animal activist canceled his concert reportedly saying, "I don't agree with the way they treat their animals." Photo credit: Brooklynvegan.com
Trisha Yearwood is the fifth act to cancel on SeaWorld's 2014 concert series. Reportedly, she hasn't seen the documentary "Blackfish," but the controversy alone was enough to get the country crooner to back out. Photo credit: cnynews.com
Heart joins the ranks of music artists cancelling on SeaWorld's concert series. Guitarist Nancy Wilson posted on her Twitter page: "I am a big Orca fan…I'm happy to stand w/all of you to protect our animals."/Photo credit: Lehighvalleyhigh.com
The Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies was the first to cancel, responding to a petition on Change.org. The group posted on Facebook: "This is a complicated issue…we don't feel comfortable proceeding with the gig at this time." Photo credit: citynews.ca
Martina McBride pulled out of her upcoming concert at SeaWorld. The country music star shared this with her fans on Facebook: "I've decided that given all the issues that have been aired recently, the time isn't right for me to play SeaWorld." Photo credit: hothits957.cbslocal.com
REO Speedwagon decided to "Take It On the Run" after the "Blackfish" controversy, giving their fans the news via their Twitter page: "Due to concerns regarding our February 16th appearance at SeaWorld, we have chosen to cancel the performance." Photo Credit: Kioa.com
Southern rock band 38 Special canceled their concert, "Due to concerns raised by…'Blackfish.'" They also apologized to their Orlando fans on their Facebook page saying, "We will try and schedule another performance in your area." Photo credit: b1027.com
Cheap Trick is the fourth act to cancel their Feb. 8 appearance at SeaWorld's Bayside Stadium, though the band has not officially explained the cancellation. Photo credit: lasvegas-nv.com
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