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Trump given reminder about real-life incident after posting AI video mimicking fatal tiger attack
Online users have reminded Trump of a real-life incident after he posted an AI video mimicking the fatal tiger attack that took place in the UK.
On Tuesday (October 13), the 80-year-old president took to his Truth Social platform to share real footage of the moment William Chapman was mauled to death after jumping into an enclosure housing the rare Amur tiger, Altai, at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday.
Trump captioned the grim footage of the attack: "Don’t ever mess with nature! President DJ."
The posts have sparked a wave of backlash online, with many slamming the president for sharing content related to the tragedy.
Just hours later, Trump shared another controversial post, this time featuring an AI-generated video recreating elements of the horrific incident.
In the clip, Trump, who is wearing a suit and a red tie, is seen lying on the ground, pointing his finger at the tiger. The Tight Fit track 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' can be heard in the background.
The shot is imitating the real video in which Chapman appears to do the same action before reportedly saying to the big cat, "Stop being naughty".
But in the strange computer-generated clip, Trump jumps up to his feet after the tiger gets too close and chases him across the enclosure. As the animal runs away, he dives on its back as the pair rolls on the grass.
The president then picks up the tiger and wraps his arms around its back before smiling at the camera.
The unusual video led many to remind Trump of an earlier incident in which he appeared frightened by an eagle. "Meanwhile in reality…Donald is terrified of a bird. lol," one person said.
Another criticized him for posting the video despite the family's grief.
"Didn’t think Trump could get any lower. This poor man’s family are absolutely devastated their son has died in this way. Has pleaded for people not to share on social media. So what happens today. The president of US thinks this is ok," they said.
Chapman was a child actor
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, said it had started a health and safety investigation into the attack.
Since the incident, the 23-year-old's early stint as an actor has come to light.
He previously starred in May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter star Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series.
Chapman also attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
The school paid tribute to him on Instagram, writing that they were "deeply saddened" to hear of the loss of its former student.
"We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer," they said. "It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him."
"William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, William," they added.
Chapman's family asks people not to share the video
The grieving family spoke about the videos circulating online, including the one shared by Trump himself, and said: "The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time."
"The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened," the statement continued. "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."
Chapman's loved ones also revealed that the late man had suffered from "significant mental illness" over a number of years and had been prescribed "strong medication".
"William was a bright, warm, and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back," they said.