Alec Baldwin sends stinging letter demanding Radio City Music Hall stops using live animals who are ‘forced to participate’ in its annual Christmas show
- The actor wrote a letter calling on the establishment to stop using animal performers.
- He claimed the animals were kept in cruel conditions and were subjected to “loud noises and disorienting lights.”
- The spokesman denied the allegations and called Baldwin “wrong in his assumptions.”
Actor Alec Baldwin has penned a scathing letter condemning the use of live animals in the iconic Radio City Music Hall Christmas show.
On Thursday, the Golden Globe winner and animal rights activist group PETA wrote a letter to James L. Dolan, CEO of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation (MSG), which owns the entertainment venue.
“There is nothing more magical than visiting New York City during the holidays when people from all over the world come to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” Baldwin wrote.
“But as someone who cares deeply about animals, I was disappointed to learn that the show not only features great human performers like the Rockettes, but also camels, sheep and donkeys who are forced to participate in the nativity scene.”
The actor, who has worked with PETA for more than thirty years, expressed concern about camels and goats, which are “subject to loud noises and disorienting lights.”
The letter Thursday called on MSG to reinvent the show without using animals like other successful productions.
The animals are part of a “living nativity scene” held every year, but the actor and PETA claim they are kept in cruel conditions.
Baldwin claimed that the group obtained its animal performers from Dawn Animal Agency, a claim that was quickly denied by a rep for MSG Entertainment.
Alex Baldwin has written a scathing letter to the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation, urging them to stop using live animals in their annual Radio City Christmas show.
The letter went on to call on MSG to reinvent the show and make it animal-free.
That night, a group of PETA activists stood outside the music hall, dressed as elves and carrying wheelbarrows full of coal.
Some held signs that read, “Radio City: End animal activities now!”
Baldwin pointed the finger specifically at Dawn Animal Agency, saying MSG works with a group that “is frequently cited by the USDA for violating federal law by denying even basic necessities to animals.”
However, a representative for MSG Entertainment denied that the company provides the animals used in the show.
‘Mister. Baldwin is wrong in his assumptions,” the spokesman said. “The safety of the animals on the much-loved Live Christmas scene is always our priority.
“Their well-being is critical and they are provided with exceptional 24-hour care throughout the show’s limited run.”
Since opening in 1933, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been presented to more than 70 million people.
The show includes a live nativity scene and 90 minutes of dancing.
On Thursday night, PETA protesters stood outside Radio City Music Hall dressed as elves and pulling wheelbarrows full of coal.
Baldwin has worked with animal rights groups for more than 30 years.
The Christmas pageant is a tradition that began in 1933 and has evolved over time to include a drone light show.
This year marks the second debut of “Dance of the Ice Fairies,” a routine in which drones fly above the audience.
Last month, the 10th Archbishop of New York stood outside the music hall to bless the animals ahead of their first performance on November 17.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan braved 30-degree winds to douse the four-legged performers with holy water. A camel named Humphrey and a sheep named Phil were present at the event, as were several Rockettes.
Dolan even led the group in prayer.
“Lord, we need a little Christmas. Whatever faith we have, even if we don’t, our hearts yearn for warmth, love, peace and reconciliation. Christmas may bring this and we will need it someday,” he said.