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Jason Derulo's shark tank home feature sparks animal rights outcry
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Turkey /Culture & Society

Jason Derulo's shark tank home feature sparks animal rights outcry

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Singer Jason Derulo's new mansion tour revealed a large shark tank in his living room, sparking controversy online and among animal rights groups.
  • The tank, designed for walking on, houses sharks and stingrays, with Derulo detailing the extensive setup and maintenance required.
  • Animal welfare organizations criticized the display, emphasizing that sharks are not decorations or pets and urging social media users to avoid sharing such content.

Singer Jason Derulo's opulent Tarzana mansion, valued at $15 million, has become the center of a heated debate following a recent home tour video. The controversy centers on a massive, circular aquarium built into the living room floor, which allows visitors to walk over sharks and stingrays.

Derulo, known for hits like "Whatcha Say" and "Talk Dirty," explained the elaborate installation process, involving pool builders and aquarium specialists. He also highlighted the daily maintenance, including professional teams checking water quality twice a day to ensure the visibility and health of the marine life.

However, the display has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights advocates. Christian Plowman, Manager of the Wildlife Cybercrime Program at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), issued a statement condemning the practice. "Sharks are not accessories. They are not floor ornaments. They are not pets," Plowman stated, pointing out that sharks are already endangered due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss.

Plowman specifically criticized Derulo's global influence, arguing that showcasing exotic animals as decor sends a harmful message far beyond his living room. He urged social media users to refrain from sharing content that portrays wild animals as pets. The public has echoed these sentiments online, with many labeling the practice as "cruel."

Sharks are not accessories. They are not floor ornaments. They are not pets.

โ€” Christian PlowmanIFAW's Wildlife Cybercrime Program Manager Christian Plowman criticized the display of sharks in Jason Derulo's home.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.