In a new controversy surrounding Bigg Boss 18, animal rights organization PETA has taken a strong stance against the use of a donkey, named “Gadhraj,” in the house. The organization has issued an open letter to host Salman Khan and the show’s creators, urging them to reconsider using animals as props for entertainment purposes. The move has sparked debate, with many questioning the ethics of involving animals in reality TV.
PETA India’s letter, written by advocacy associate Shaurya Agrawal, highlights public outrage over the use of the donkey on the show, which premiered just a few days ago on October 6, 2024. “We are being inundated with complaints by members of the public who are deeply distressed over the keeping of a donkey in the Bigg Boss house,” the letter states, urging Salman Khan to use his influence to stop this practice and hand over the animal to PETA India.
The controversy gained traction after contestant Gunratna Sadavarte introduced the donkey into the house, where the animal is now part of the daily activities for housemates. PETA’s letter emphasized that society has evolved past using animals for cheap entertainment and called this inclusion of Gadhraj “sad, not funny.”
This latest controversy raises significant ethical questions, with many viewers divided over whether the inclusion of animals in reality shows is acceptable in 2024. While Bigg Boss thrives on pushing boundaries and keeping audiences glued with unexpected twists, this latest move has clearly backfired in the eyes of animal rights advocates.
Is Bigg Boss 18 Crossing Ethical Lines for TRPs?
This isn’t the first time Bigg Boss has faced public backlash for its extreme stunts, but involving an animal in the cutthroat reality environment is drawing even harsher criticism. Social media is abuzz with divided opinions: while some fans find the twist amusing, others have joined the call for compassion and animal rights.
Given the influence of Salman Khan, who has previously supported causes for animals, the pressure is mounting for a response. As the controversy heats up, fans are left wondering: Will Bigg Boss make changes to appease critics, or will the show continue to push boundaries in the name of entertainment?
With Bigg Boss 18 only just beginning and the first nominations on the horizon, this animal controversy has already set the stage for what promises to be another season packed with drama. Whether or not the donkey remains, the issue has sparked a broader conversation on how far reality TV should go for the sake of TRPs.