Alec Baldwin Rallies Against Animal Use in Christmas Show
Alec Baldwin, now entrenched in animal rights activism, has taken a stand against the live animals used in the Nativity scene at Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas show. In a recent TV advertisement, supported by PETA, he expressed disapproval of the treatment of animals like sheep, camels, and donkeys during the performance.
The ad, which began airing on Canada’s CTV, features Baldwin stating that the staging is “very stressful” for these animals. “Animals are not actors or props,” the 67-year-old remarked, criticizing the production as “extremely stressful.”
Baldwin highlighted that the animals are kept “confined in basements for months” and exposed to what he described as the chaotic environment of the stage shows.
Outside the venue, PETA protesters demonstrated at the opening matinee, where performers dressed as toy soldiers held signs reading, “Celebrating Rockets’ 100th Anniversary by Ending Animal Cruelty.”
An MSG Entertainment spokesperson, owning Radio City Music Hall, argued that Baldwin and PETA are misinformed, insisting the animals are sourced from a sanctuary upstate and regularly inspected by health authorities. “Mr. Baldwin’s guess is wrong,” the official stated, without disclosing the sanctuary’s name.
They emphasized that the welfare of the animals in the “Living Nativity” scene is a top priority, stating they receive constant care throughout the show’s run.
Meanwhile, activists are calling for a permanent end to the use of live animals in the show after 91 years. PETA campaigner Mason Melito mentioned that the animals are often kept in confined spaces. He vowed that protests will persist as long as these practices continue.
PETA is also urging sponsors like Chase, Lexus, and Verizon to withdraw their support until live animals are no longer part of the programming. Over 30,610 individuals have signed a petition on PETA’s website to support this cause.
Organizations pushing to limit the use of live animals at events in New York City, from St. John’s Blessing of the Animals to dog-fighting exhibitions, have also joined the conversation.
Edita Bernkrant, the executive director of NYCLASS, pointed out that in 2017, New York City banned wild animals from circuses, a compassionate move she believes should also apply to the animals used in Radio City’s production. “These animals are confined, transported in trucks, and forced to perform under bright lights and loud music, which isn’t necessary for modern entertainment,” she said.
She added, “The true spirit of Christmas is peace and compassion, and exploiting animals for entertainment contradicts that.”
