Actor Alec Baldwin penned a scathing letter denouncing the use of live animals in the iconic Radio City Music Hall Christmas show.
On Thursday, the Golden Globe winner and animal rights activist group PETA wrote to James L. Dolan, CEO of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation (MSG), which owns the entertainment venue.
‘Nothing is more magical than visiting New York City during the holidays, when people from all around the world come to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular,’ Baldwin wrote.
‘But as someone who cares deeply about animals, I was disappointed to learn that the show doesn’t just feature dazzling human performers like the Rockettes but also camels, sheep, and donkeys, who are forced to participate in the Nativity scene.’
The actor, who has worked with PETA for over thirty years, expressed concern for the camels and goats who are ‘subjected to loud sounds and disorienting lights.’
Alex Baldwin penned a scathing letter to Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation urging them to discontinue the use of live animals in the annual Radio City Christmas show
The animals are part of a ‘living nativity scene’ that features every year, but the actor and PETA allege that they are kept in cruel conditions
Thursday’s letter urged MSG to reinvent the show without the use of animals like other successful productions
Baldwin alleged that the group got its animal performers from Dawn Animal Agency – a claim that was swiftly rebuked by an MSG Entertainment spokesperson
The letter went on to encourage MSG to reinvent the show and make it animal-free.
That night, a group of PETA activists stood outside the music hall, clad in elf costumes and carrying wheelbarrows full of coal.
Some held signs proclaiming ‘Radio City: End Animal Acts Now!’
Baldwin specifically pointed a finger at Dawn Animal Agency, alleging that MSG works with a group that has ‘frequently been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for violating federal law for denying animals even basic necessities.’
However, a spokesperson for MSG Entertainment denied that the company provides the animals used in the show.
‘Mr. Baldwin is incorrect in his assumptions,’ the representative said. ‘The safety of the animals in the beloved “Living Nativity” scene is always our priority.
‘Their well-being is critical, and they are provided with exceptional round-the-clock care throughout the show’s limited run.’
Since it opened in 1933, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has played to an audience of more than 70 million people.
The show features a living nativity scene along with 90 minutes of dancing.
On Thursday night, PETA protestors stood outside Radio City Music Hall, clad in elf costumes and carrying wheelbarrows full of coal
Baldwin has worked with the animal advocacy group for over 30 years
The Christmas Spectacular is a tradition dating back to 1933 and has evolved with the times to include a drone light show
This year marks the second debut of the Dance of the Frost Fairies, a number that features drones flying above the audience.
Last month, the tenth archbishop of New York stood outside the music hall to bless the animals before their first performance on November 17.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan braved blustery 30-degree weather to splash holy water on the four-legged performers. In attendance were a camel named Humphrey and a sheep named Phil, as well as several Rockettes.
Dolan even led the group in a prayer.
‘Lord, we need a little Christmas. Whatever faith we got, even if we don’t, our hearts long for warmth and love and peace and reconciliation. Christmas can bring that and do we ever need it,’ he said.