Tiger attack victim’s family slam ‘deeply offensive’ videos after Donald Trump shares AI clip
“We ask people to stop doing this”
The family of a man who was killed by a tiger at a zoo in Yorkshire have slammed the “deeply offensive” content shared online following his death.
Donald Trump posted an AI altered video of the incident on his social media platform Truth Social this week. William Chapman was named as the victim of the tragedy yesterday (October 13) and tributes have been paid to him.
The US President first re-posted footage of the fatal attack to his 13 million followers on Tuesday (October 12) with the message: “Don’t ever mess with nature!”.
He then followed it up on Wednesday with an AI altered clip that inserted Trump into the video and showed him wrestling a tiger.
The clip, which is accompanied by the Tight Fit hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, features the president copying the pointing gesture made by Mr Chapman, and ends with him hugging the animal.
The 23-year-old’s family shared a tribute last night describing him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man”. They have also criticised the online reaction to his death and questioned what part his “significant mental illness over a number of years” and prescribed strong medication played in the incident.
An inquest is due to open into the death at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on Thursday (October 15) morning. City of Doncaster council has also opened a health and safety investigation into the incident.
Mr Chapman, who was mauled to death when he entered the tiger enclosure at the park Doncaster on Saturday, had suffered from “significant mental illness over a number of years”, the family said in their statement.
“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” they said.
“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.
“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.”
In the statement, his family added: “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.”
As a child, Mr Chapman appeared in ITV’s May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter actress Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series, according to IMDB.
He previously attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
In a tribute shared on Facebook, the school said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the loss of its former student, adding “we loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer”.
Jackie Palmer Stage School said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student, William Chapman.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us.
“It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, William.”
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 said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised.