Jessica Simpson slammed for taking family to SeaWorld: 'Animal abuse'

Jessica Simpson’s day of fun with her family has many fans reeling — because it involved a trip to SeaWorld.

On Monday the pregnant star shared photos of her two children — 6-year-old daughter Maxwell and 5-year-old son Ace — watching a show and interacting with dolphins at the theme park. According to a group photo she shared, the trip took place on Feb. 17.

While Simpson’s kids look overjoyed, commenters are fuming over the show of support for the controversial park, which has faced criticism and boycotts because of concerns over the treatment of marine animals in its care. SeaWorld was also the focus of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which explored the death of a trainer by a killer whale in Orlando.

SeaWorld has since vowed to phase out its shows featuring killer whales and devote more time to conservation efforts, but many are still outraged over seeing marine animals in captivity.

“As if people still actually support SeaWorld!” read one comment. “Shocked to see this being promoted by such a public figure! If you love and care about animals, you wouldn’t support their exploitation and suffering.”

“Please watch Blackfish and I promise you will never return to SeaWorld,” added a concerned follower.

“Take the time to see those beautiful animals in the wild,” another person urged Simpson. “You will never accept seeing them in a tank again!”

“Oh, Jessica … Honey, no,” read another comment. “Please don’t support SeaWorld. Please do your research. I love you, and hope you’re well … but please.”

“Have you you not seen Blackfish?” a commenter added. “This is so sad to see. Animal abuse.”

SeaWorld did have some defenders.

“Thank you for supporting SeaWorld!” a fan wrote. “They’re an amazing organization dedicated to animals in their care and in the ocean!”

Another commenter who claimed to work for SeaWorld insisted that the “animals aren’t mistreated.”

Simpson isn’t the first celebrity to get shamed for visiting animals in captivity. Last August, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson caught flak after posting about his trip to the Georgia Aquarium.

SeaWorld, meanwhile, is in the news for other reasons. As the BBC reports, 16 guests at its San Diego park were trapped on the Bayside Skyride attraction on Monday and had to be rescued by firefighters.

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