Rebel Wilson sparks controversy after “appalling” stunt
Rebel Wilson has been making headlines for her rigorous fitness routine as she works towards her weight loss goal.
But her latest workout has caused outrage after she used wombats instead of dumbbells in a video posted by Sydney Zoo.
While many loved the adorable addition, the World Animal Protection organisation critiqued the star.
Speaking to news.com.au, the World Animal Protection expressed their concern and said the native Aussie animal “experience distress when handled by humans” and slammed the actresses “disregard” for their wellbeing.
The video sees Wilson doing “15 kilo squats” while holding a large wombat close to her chest as she faces the camera.
“Wombat squats! Thanks to the team @thesydneyzoo for organizing this fun workout and education sesh about some amazing rescue animals,” the actress wrote to her 8 million followers.
Executive director Simone Clarke said wildlife experts from World Animal Protection were “disappointed” to see the footage.
“We are disappointed to see Rebel Wilson handling Australian wildlife with such disregard for their wellbeing,” she wrote in a statement.
“Wombats are not a photo prop or plaything; they are sentient beings, and experience distress when handled by humans.
She went on to condemn the zoo for allowing the workout content to be filmed.
“It’s appalling that Sydney Zoo endorse this type of promotion – quite frankly they should know better.”
Some people in the comments shared the same thoughts.
“Is it really needed to grab a hold of a wombat!?!,” one said.
“Yeah....I felt a little uncomfortable for it....,” another responded, while one more weighed in: “(100 per cent) animal exploitation. I thought better of her. Maybe just a silly mistake and not thinking!”
Rebel has not currently issued a statement on the matter.