PETA Activists Protest Rodeo Scenes at Twisters Premiere

A group of animal rights demonstrators staged a protest at the Hollywood premiere of “Twisters” on Thursday, July 11, objecting to rodeo scenes featured in the film.

“Anyone But You” actor Glen Powell, 35, stars in the upcoming sequel to the 1996 film “Twister.” The new film, set for UK release on July 17, also features “Normal People” star Daisy Edgar-Jones, 26, portraying a social media storm chaser who tracks tornadoes for the thrill.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) shared images of their protestors at the Los Angeles premiere on X/Twitter. Demonstrators held signs with slogans such as “calves’ necks are twisters at rodeos” and “rodeos are waking nightmares for animals.”

The activists appeared to be protesting the film’s depiction of a rodeo, demanding that Universal Pictures include a disclaimer about the “torment” of animals at such events.

In a statement posted on X/Twitter, Peta said: “Don’t get it twisted: rodeos are cruel! We demand a disclaimer!

“It’s time for a reality check. Twisters’ rodeo date scene glorifies torment, violence, and death of animals.”

Photos and videos shared by Peta show Powell posing for pictures with the protestors and dancing to their chants of “Shame on you.” Protesters also held signs while wearing cow masks that read “animals have heart attacks at rodeos.”

Once the cast were brought on stage by the film’s director, Lee Isaac Chung, to introduce the film ahead of the screening, a protester reportedly “ran down the aisle and rushed the stage,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The female protester moved towards the stage, shouting “there’s no excuse for animal abuse; the film needs a disclaimer,” a witness told People.

Security tackled the demonstrator to the floor, and she was placed in handcuffs by police, the outlet reported.

A spokesperson for Peta said: “While tornado chasers voluntarily risk their lives, the terrified animals who are mercilessly bullied in rodeo arenas and forced to recreate distressing scenarios for movies have no choice.

“PETA is calling on Universal Pictures to at least give viewers of this inhumane film the facts, which are that animals endure grievous injuries and agonizing deaths just so humans can play cowboy.”

The Independent has contacted representatives at Universal Pictures for comment.

Additional reporting by PA

Source: The Independent, Hollywood Reporter, People