In an attempt to entertain his 4.1 million followers on his social media channel, Martyn Ford, touted as the ‘World’s Scariest Man’ posted a video of him playing tug-of-war with a captive liger. In a bizarre show of his strength, he engaged in a tough sport with the hybrid animal. The post received harsh reactions from his followers and animal rights campaigners.

Also known as ‘The Nightmare’, the 6 ft 8 inches giant hails from the U.K. As a child, he was inclined to play cricket. He began bodybuilding when he started focussing on his fitness and physique. Ford has won several competitions in the sport. He is an internet personality, famous for his bodybuilding and gym training videos. But this time, he displeased his followers with a ‘cruel’ video of a liger.

Bodybuilding champion in a tug of war with a liger

The video features Ford pulling a big rope with the other end in the liger’s mouth. The 4.1 million followers watched the displeasing footage of the liger struggling to win. It amassed 100,000 likes in ten hours. The post received hundreds of comments.

Emily Wilson, FOUR PAWS UK Head of Campaigns said that they are appalled to see the “cruel footage” and advocated for such “abhorrent behaviour against animals.” She added, “Clearly unhappy, uncomfortable, and distressed, he continues to yank on the animal’s rope, ignoring its clear signs of discomfort.”

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While fans appreciate his usual content, they expressed disappointment over this feat stating, “just find this a bit disheartening,” A comment asked him a take a moment and think about what he was doing. “Poor animal in a cage being made to do tug of war with multiple people a day for a giggle.”

Martyn claims he is a huge animal lover

Upon learning about the criticism and backlash, he said he understood people’s concern over the welfare of animals. “I am a huge animal lover,” he added. Besides, he also assured that the animals “are ridiculously well looked after.” Furthermore, he said he met the elaborate team involved in ensuring a life of luxury for the animals, including vets and nutritionists.

Commenting on the liger, he said the liger was excited to play. “The liger that was playing tug of war was the one who ran over to play.” Moreover, he said he would be the first one to agree with punishment for any ill-treatment of animals.

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