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Simon Cowell pulls dolphin scenes from this week's X Factor

Thousands of people signed an online petition.

Oct 1st 2014, 6:20 PM 31,691 Views 18 Comments

SCENES FEATURING X Factor contestants swimming with dolphins are being cut from this week’s show after thousands of people signed an online petition.

A preview of the forthcoming episode of The Xtra Factor aired at the end of last week’s show, and depicted a group of male contestants swimming with dolphins.

dol

The footage prompted the creation of an online petition protesting against the use of captive dolphins for Xtra Factor filming, with over 8,000 people adding their names.

The petition accused the show of ‘glorifying’ a dolphinarium, with contestants “in a pool somewhere, being up close and personal with captive dolphins, performing tricks and giving kisses”.

Last night, responding to increasing pressure, Simon Cowell tweeted:

Reading your tweets. I had no idea Xtra Factor producers filmed with dolphins. This will NOT be showed on Saturday.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) September 30, 2014

Source: Simon Cowell/Twitter

I think you all know my view on cruelty to animals so thank you all for your concern.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) September 30, 2014

Source: Simon Cowell/Twitter

In the past hour Cowell has further addressed criticism of the Xtra Factor team, tweeting:

I want to send this out regarding the Xtra Factor team. They are a hard working bunch who weren’t aware of the growing concern regarding dolphins.

Move over Fungi! Dolphins filmed swimming off the Donegal coast

Wonderful underwater footage of a pod of dolphins off the Kerry coast

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Emer McLysaght

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Simon Cowell pulls dolphin scenes from this week's X Factor

Thousands of people signed an online petition.

Move over Fungi! Dolphins filmed swimming off the Donegal coast