SCENES FEATURING X Factor contestants swimming with dolphins are being cut from this week’s show after thousands of people signed an online petition.
A preview of the forthcoming episode of The Xtra Factor aired at the end of last week’s show, and depicted a group of male contestants swimming with dolphins.
The footage prompted the creation of an online petition protesting against the use of captive dolphins for Xtra Factor filming, with over 8,000 people adding their names.
The petition accused the show of ‘glorifying’ a dolphinarium, with contestants “in a pool somewhere, being up close and personal with captive dolphins, performing tricks and giving kisses”.
Last night, responding to increasing pressure, Simon Cowell tweeted:
In the past hour Cowell has further addressed criticism of the Xtra Factor team, tweeting:
I want to send this out regarding the Xtra Factor team. They are a hard working bunch who weren’t aware of the growing concern regarding dolphins.
