Alec Baldwin Joins activist Campaign Condemning Radio City’s Live Animal Nativity
NEW YORK, NY – Actor Alec Baldwin has lent his voice to a growing campaign spearheaded by PETA and NYCLASS, condemning the use of live animals in Radio city Music Hall’s annual Christmas Breathtaking “Living Nativity” scene. Baldwin appears in new activist advertisements criticizing the production as exploitative and urging sponsors to withdraw support.
The campaign comes as animal rights groups intensify pressure on Radio City after a 91-year tradition, arguing the animals endure stressful conditions and needless confinement. PETA alleges animals are “essentially kept in basements and back rooms” during the show’s run, while NYCLASS contends they are ”confined, trucked around and forced to perform under blinding lights and loud music.”
Radio City maintains the animals’ safety is a priority, stating they receive “remarkable round-the-clock care” throughout the show’s limited run. Though, the location of the upstate animal sanctuary providing the animals was not disclosed to The post.
PETA’s renewed effort targets sponsors Chase, Lexus, and Verizon, demanding they cease support until the use of live animals is discontinued. A petition to ban live animals from the show has already garnered over 30,610 signatures.
“The true spirit of Christmas is about peace and compassion, and exploiting animals for entertainment goes against that,” said NYCLASS executive director Edita Birnkrant.
The push against live animals in New york City events mirrors similar campaigns that led to a ban on wild animals in circuses in 2017, following action by New Yorkers and the City Council. Activists point to events like St. John the Divine’s annual Blessing of the Animals and a controversial art exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum as further examples of evolving attitudes toward animal welfare in public displays.
