A video showing the 12-year-old daughter of actor Chris Hemsworth and actress Elsa Pataky riding an aggressive bull and being thrown to the ground has caused a lot of controversy.
Elsa Pataky recently shared a video of her daughter India Rose bravely jumping on the back of a bull and galloping across the field to the cheers of hundreds of people. After being thrown off by the bull, India was picked up by staff and safely taken off the field. A commentator said in the stadium: “Let’s see her. Great job India!”
The couple’s son Sasha also participated and was thrown out as soon as he entered the field. Chris and Elsa stood outside to cheer the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren on.
The Fast and Furious actress said she “almost had a heart attack” at her daughter’s performance in the rodeo event, a horse or bull riding event popular in many Western countries, including the US and Australia – where Elsa and Chris Hemsworth’s family live.
However, many people do not support the couple letting their daughters participate in this adventure. One person commented: “Oh my god! It’s dangerous and irresponsible. Poor kids!”. Another wrote: “This is terrible! Animal abuse should not be celebrated”, “This is a silly joke. People should have compassion for stressed animals, let alone support 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren participating”…
Animal rights group PETA also condemned the Hemsworths for their actions. PETA senior adviser Mimi Bekhechi told News.com.au : “Anyone who cares about animals should stay away from this painful scene. Rodeo participants use electric prods, harnesses to injure, terrorize and provoke animals trying to escape for their lives. Young animals are chased and thrown down brutally. Gentle bulls and horses often suffer broken bones, punctured lungs, broken necks or torn muscles. Rodeo is animal cruelty.”
Meanwhile, others praised the Thor star’s 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren for their courage and strength: “She’s a little legend!”, “They did well. I would let my kids do the same thing at that age, they would love it”… One fan defended the sport: “The animals are not hurt. The cattle and horses are well cared for. They just gore to chase people down. These are young bulls and the kids are having fun, wearing protective gear. I like how the Hemsworths let their kids have a normal life.”
Representatives for Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky declined to comment on the criticism.
The couple’s three 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren are daughter India, 12, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, 10. They participate in many sports such as surfing, horseback riding, and driving off-road vehicles. Since 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood, the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren have been raised by their parents in a rustic style, often going barefoot and participating in outdoor activities instead of being protected like rich young ladies and 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren. The Hemsworth family currently resides in Byron Bay, Australia.