Family of man killed by tiger criticise online content as Trump posts videos - here's what you need to know

Mr Trump posted footage of Mr Chapman being fatally attacked by a tiger at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park to 13 million followers on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening.

The 23-year-old’s family posted a tribute, also on Tuesday evening, describing him as a “bright, warm and engaging young man”, criticising the online reaction to his death and questioning what part his “significant mental illness over a number of years” and prescribed strong medication played in the incident.

What did Donald Trump post?

The US president accompanied the short clip – which showed the animal biting and clawing Mr Chapman as he sat in the enclosure, but not him being killed – with the signed message: “Don’t ever mess with nature!”

On Wednesday morning Mr Trump followed this up with another post – this time an AI-generated video of him grappling with a tiger, which appears to mimic the original.

The clip, which is accompanied by the Tight Fit hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, features the president copying the pointing gesture made by Mr Chapman, and ends with him hugging the animal.

What else has the family said?

Mr Chapman, who was mauled to death when he entered the tiger enclosure at the park Doncaster on Saturday, had suffered from “significant mental illness over a number of years”, the family said in their statement.

“The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” they said.

“The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.

“The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.”

In the statement, his family added: “William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back.

“Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.

“It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death.

“We would ask everybody to respect that process.”

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Tributes for Mr Chapman

As a child, Mr Chapman appeared in ITV’s May Contain Nuts, alongside Harry Potter actress Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC’s True Stories series, according to IMDB.

He previously attended Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

In a tribute shared on Facebook, the school said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the loss of its former student, adding “we loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer”.

Jackie Palmer Stage School said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former student, William Chapman.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with William’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

“We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us.

“It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, William.”

What happened at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Readers may find the following distressing

According to footage posted in reports, Mr Chapman appeared to have filmed the moment he approached the animal.

A short clip, apparently posted on a now-deleted Instagram account, was filmed inside the tiger’s enclosure and the large animal can be seen lying on top of a wooden platform, a few metres in front of the camera.

In the audio, the person filming can be heard breathing heavily as distant voices shout: “Oh my God” and: “Seriously.”

The park will remain closed on Wednesday for a fifth day following the attack.

Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 when Mr Chapman, who police said was visiting the park alone, entered the enclosure.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

What is happening now?

City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, said on Monday it had started a health and safety investigation.

Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.

“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.

“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”

In a previous statement on social media, the wildlife park said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised.

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