Family of UK tiger attack victim criticises online sharing after President Trump reposts video

Relatives of William Chapman, 23, who was killed after entering an enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, have condemned the online distribution of video footage of the incident. The family described Chapman as a "bright, warm and engaging" young man who suffered from significant mental illness and was on strong medication. They said the sharing of the video is causing them severe distress during an already vulnerable period and asked the public to stop circulating the material.

President Donald Trump reposted a clip of the attack on his Truth Social platform, adding the caption, "Don’t ever mess with nature! President DJT." The clip showed the tiger biting and clawing Chapman but did not include his death. Trump later posted an AI-generated video depicting himself play-fighting with the tiger, set to the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

Will Travers, executive president of the Born Free Foundation, called the AI video "incredibly insensitive" and warned that such imagery could encourage risky interactions with captive wild animals, potentially endangering both people and animals.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said the Amur tiger, named Altai, will not be euthanised. The park remains closed while Doncaster City Council conducts a health and safety investigation. An inquest into Chapman's death is scheduled to begin at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Thursday morning.

Chapman's former school, Jackie Palmer Stage School, expressed sadness over his death, recalling his growth as a performer and noting his earlier appearances on television programmes.