The daughter of late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin is facing sharp criticism for accepting the role as SeaWorld's youth ambassador. INSIDE EDITION explains.
Bindi Irwin is sparking a huge controversy after announcing that she’s teaming up with embattled SeaWorld.
On Good Morning America she said, "I'm so excited to be carrying on in dad's footsteps."
The pretty 15-year-old daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, made the announcement that she is partnering with SeaWorld during an appearance on Good Morning America earlier this week.
She said, "We are so thrilled be joining SeaWorld on a brand new initiative."
Now, Bindi is facing a big-time backlash on social media.
On INSIDE EDITION’s Facebook page, one angry viewer wrote: “Shame on her. I hope she sees what really goes on in these places.”
Another wrote: “Her dad is literally rolling over in his grave.”
SeaWorld has been dogged by controversy ever since the documentary Blackfish was released last year. The film investigates the 2010 death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau by the killer whale Tilikum at SeaWorld in Orlando.
SeaWorld calls the film "Inaccurate and misleading."
Since its release, SeaWorld has suffered a deluge of bad press over allegations of abusing its Orcas. Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, The Beach Boys, and many others top performers have announced they are boycotting SeaWorld concerts.
One leading Australian newspaper, The Australian, had the headline, "Why America Has Turned on Bindi Irwin."
Others are coming to her defense. One person on INSIDE EDITION’s Facebook page posted: “Go for it! Leave her alone."
Bindi and her mom, Terri, continued their promotional campaign on Friday with an appearance on The View. It's not known what SeaWorld is paying them for the endorsement. It seems that at age 15, Bindi is caught up in a controversy that she may not fully understand.
SeaWorld has launched an aggressive online and media campaign denying they abuse or mistreat their animals.
