The family of a man who was mauled to death by a tiger in Yorkshire have criticised “deeply offensive media content” after Donald Trump shared an AI video of himself with a tiger online.
William Chapman, 23, was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday after entering the animal’s enclosure.
As tributes poured in for Mr Chapman, the US President shared an AI generated video on his Truth Social platform, appearing to show him tackle and hug the same tiger from the attack.
The bizarre clip featured the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens playing in the background.
The AI video followed a previous post from the US President, in which he shared the actual footage of Mr Chapman being attacked by Altai, the 440lb Siberian tiger.
Captioning the post, Mr Trump said: “Don’t ever mess with nature! President DJT.”
In a statement from the 23-year-old’s family, they said the sharing of of “deeply offensive content” online had caused them “severe distress” as a result.
Paying tribute to Mr Chapman, the statement began: “William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.
“Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process.”
The statement then stressed: “The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
“The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
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“The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.
“In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has remained closed for a fifth day following the attack on Saturday.
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 when Mr Chapman, who police said was visiting the park alone, entered the enclosure. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, confirmed it had opened a health and safety investigation on Monday.
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
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