SeaWorld Releases Video Showing Ex-Trainer Turned Critic Using the N-word While Drunk

Former Seaworld trainer John Hargrove arrives at Magnolia Pictures Los Angeles Premiere of ‘Blackfish’ at ArcLight Cinemas on July 10, 2013 in Hollywood. (Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Magnolia Pictures)

by: Los Angeles Times

Posted: Apr 1, 2015 / 05:16 PM PDT

Updated: Apr 1, 2015 / 05:16 PM PDT

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A SeaWorld official sent the video to reporters as former trainer John Hargrove was beginning a tour promoting his book “Beneath The Surface,” which alleges maltreatment of orcas.

Hargrove was an orca trainer for 12 years at SeaWorld parks in San Diego and San Antonio.

Since leaving SeaWorld, he has become one of its harshest critics. He was featured in the documentary “Blackfish” and testified in support of a bill in Sacramento that would have forced SeaWorld San Diego to halt its killer whale shows.

SeaWorld’s corporate office in Orlando sent an email to reporters this week, restating its allegations that Hargrove has “repeatedly provided statements that are misleading, false or in conflict with statements he has made previously.”

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