Scott Eastwood explains that any scene involving animal in the romantic movie is overseen by American Humane Association.
- April 8, 2015
AceShowbiz -
"The Longest Ride" star Scott Eastwood responds to the protest held by PETA at the movie's premiere in Hollywood on Monday, April 6. The actor who plays a bull rider trying to save his family's ranch and win the love of a young woman insists no harm comes to the bull featured in the adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel.
"Nicholas Sparks should stick to long-lost lovers kissing in the rain, because there's nothing romantic about violence to animals," PETA Foundation deputy general counsel Delcianna Winders previously said. "The rodeo is a disgusting show in which pathetic people bully terrified animals who are simply trying to escape their abusers."
In response, Eastwood assures to Entertainment Tonight, "We had the Humane Society on the whole time on the film, making sure everything was up to snuff. They made sure none of the bulls got hurt." Meanwhile, 20th century Fox explains to TheWrap that "rodeos" are not depicted in the movie. There is a "big distinction" between professional bull riding events and rodeos, the studio argues.
"These bulls are treated like rock stars and we don't do anything to mistreat them in any way," Jim Haworth, chairman and CEO of the Professional Bull Riders, adds in a statement. "Any time you give exposure to our great athletes, then PETA is going to get involved. I am surprised by how misinformed they are."
