Jason Derulo slammed for 'cruel' shark tank in living room
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Singer Jason Derulo sparked outrage after showcasing a shark tank installed in his living room floor.
- Critics condemned the display as cruel and unethical, citing inadequate space for the animals.
- Animal welfare organizations warned about the broader dangers of illegal wildlife trade and the pressures facing shark populations.
Singer Jason Derulo is facing widespread criticism after revealing a massive, million-dollar shark tank built into the floor of his Los Angeles home. The elaborate aquarium, featuring sharks and stingrays, is visible through glass beneath the living room floor, allowing guests to walk above the marine life.
I hired a company that builds pools to make the shell, and then people specialized in aquariums put it all together. I originally had a different floor that didn't highlight the sharks enough, so I decided on a white background so they could be seen better.
Derulo explained in a video that the installation was a lengthy and expensive process, involving pool construction companies and aquarium specialists. He opted for a white background to better highlight the sharks. A maintenance team visits every two days to ensure water quality and cleanliness.
There is absolutely no reason for something like this. I hate celebrities who treat animals like cool toys they want to show off. He should be reported.
However, the display ignited a firestorm of negative reactions online. Social media users decried the setup as "cruel" and "unethical," with many arguing the space was too small for the animals. Comments on platforms like Reddit highlighted the lack of any natural habitat elements, with one user stating their childhood goldfish had a better environment.
Several sharks in a pool the size of a child's. I counted at least three, plus stingrays. A terrible sight.
Animal welfare groups, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), have spoken out against the display. Christian Plowman of IFAW emphasized the significant threats sharks face globally, such as overfishing and habitat destruction, and their vital role in ocean ecosystems. He pointed to recent seizures of smuggled marine animals as evidence of ongoing illegal trade.
It's a living being, not a decoration. And in a completely empty, f aquarium. Not a shred of anything that could mimic a natural habitat. There is absolutely nothing in the aquarium to enrich their environment - my childhood goldfish had a better accommodation.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.