When you first watched One Direction's video for "Steal My Girl," you might've thought the chimp featured in it was cute and thought nothing more. However, animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is up in arms about it. They've taken out a full-page ad (see below) in the entertainment section of The Hollywood Reporter to address 1D's decision and bring to light the alleged mistreatment of animals on set.
"One Direction made a wrong turn when they used a chimpanzee in their recent music video," the ad reads. "Most people don't know that wild animals used in film and television are routinely subjected to abusive training methods, such as beatings, electric shocks, psychological torment, and food deprivation. After they become unmanageable or are no longer profitable to their owners, they are typically discarded, like Chubbs, the chimpanzee shown here. Chubbs appeared in Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes and The Chimp Channel TV series. But he was last seen in a squalid roadside zoo, living off dog food and produce covered with maggots. Please don't ever use wild animals in your projects or support entertainment that exploits them."
PETA also addressed the issue on its blog.
One Direction broke our hearts last week when reports came in that the band used a live chimpanzee while filming their music video for "Steal My Girl" (click through to see photos!). Other wild animals were also used, and they all came from the infamous Steve Martin's Working Wildlife."
Compassionate Directioners everywhere quickly took to Facebook and Twitter, calling on the band to cut scenes featuring the chimpanzee from the video. Spoiler alert: They didn't."
They mention that Martin has been cited many times for mistreating animals, and they list what he has been accused of.
It's unclear whether One Direction will alter its video or keep it as is.
The group's upcoming album Four is due out Nov. 17. The effort has been preceded by the singles "Night Changes" and "Steal My Girl."