Animal rights group PETA have expressed their concern about the content of Michael Jackson's upcoming series of live shows at the O2, after the Daily Mirror claimed that the singer had asked organisers if he could ride on stage on the back of an elephant. It would reportedly be part of a larger jungle-themed section of the show, which would feature a panther, three monkeys, and 100 Masai warriors.
Don't know whether it's true or not, but PETA have leapt on the news and released as statement reminding everyone about what happened to his Neverland Ranch menagerie. The organisation say this: "Michael Jackson gave away his chimpanzee, and left giraffes, elephants and other animals in appalling, cramped conditions when he vacated the Neverland Ranch. These exotic animals belong in Africa, not the O2 Arena among screaming fans, bright lights and stage explosions. These wild animals are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them when they are forced to perform under stressful conditions. Michael needs to learn to leave exotic animals alone."
I agree. Though no-one is speaking out about cruelty to Masai warriors, I note.