Ofcom REFUSE to investigate animal cruelty complaints made by disgusted I’m A Celebrity viewers
The regulator will not look into the claims after 51 people made formal complaints about animal welfare
OFCOM have confirmed they won’t be investigating animal cruelty complaints made to them during I’m A Celebrity 2016.
A spokesperson revealed the news today, despite the backlash the hit ITV show has received throughout the series.
A total of 51 people made formal complaints to the independent regulator about the treatment of animals throughout the series.
They ranged from mistreatment of animals during some trials and anger at the live eating tasks.
In a statement, Ofcom said: “We assessed a number of complaints about the tasks given to contestants.
“However, these were in keeping with the well-established format of this reality series, and were unlikely to have exceeded the expectations of the audience.”
I’m A Celebrity is now stranger to criticism when it comes to animal welfare, with the show slammed last year when Ferne McCann ate a live water spider.
In November, PETA told The Sun Online they were furious live animals were still being eaten.
A spokesperson said: “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! producers really have no imagination.
“Each season looks like a rerun of the prior season’s vile treatment of animals.
“Beetles might not be seen as cute and cuddly, but just like other animals, they feel pain and fear.
“We live in an age of innovation – any filmmaker or television producer worth his or her salt can entertain audiences without having to resort to abject cruelty, which makes ITV look even more out of touch.
“The Z-listers who hurt animals on I’m a Celebrity in a desperate attempt to extend their 15 minutes of fame should get a life – and let animals live theirs.”
I’m A Celebrity bosses say they adhere to strict rules regarding the animals however.
A spokesperson said: “I’m A Celebrity complies with all regional and national laws concerning the use of live insects and arachnids in the eating trials, which has become a well-established part of every series of the show over the past 15 years.”
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