The latest season of Bigg Boss 18, hosted by Salman Khan, has quickly found itself mired in controversy just days after its grand premiere. The show’s producers introduced an unexpected element this season: a donkey named “Gadhraj,” included as a non-human “19th contestant.” While some viewers found the addition amusing, others, including animal rights organizations, have raised serious concerns.
On October 9, 2024, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India officially called on Salman Khan and the show’s producers to remove the donkey from the Bigg Boss house, citing concerns about the animal’s welfare. PETA’s public letter highlights how the noisy and unpredictable environment of a reality TV show can be extremely stressful for animals, particularly prey animals like donkeys.
PETA’s Appeal to Salman Khan
PETA India’s advocacy team emphasized the distress that animals experience in such artificial and loud environments. According to the letter sent to Salman Khan, PETA noted the overwhelming complaints they’ve received from the public. They urged the star to intervene by “surrendering” the donkey to a sanctuary where it can be rehomed with other rescued donkeys. The letter points out that donkeys, being prey animals, are naturally sensitive and skittish, making the bright lights, loud noises, and confined spaces of a television set particularly harmful to their well-being.
The organization emphasized that the use of animals for entertainment purposes is outdated and harmful, urging Khan to set a precedent by removing Gadhraj from the show. PETA suggested that Salman Khan, known for his influence and animal advocacy, could make a powerful statement by ensuring the animal is rehomed in a more compassionate environment.
Audience Reaction to the Donkey’s Inclusion
The inclusion of Gadhraj has sparked mixed reactions from the audience. While some fans of the show found the idea of a non-human contestant unique and entertaining, others voiced concerns about the animal’s treatment. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, discussions surrounding the welfare of Gadhraj have gained traction, with many viewers expressing discomfort with the idea of using an animal in such a high-stress environment.
One viewer commented that while the human contestants signed up to be on the show, the donkey had no such choice and should not be subjected to such conditions. Another noted that while Bigg Boss has always been a light-hearted show, using animals as props for humor is neither necessary nor ethical in today’s society.
Salman Khan’s Position
As of now, Salman Khan has not publicly responded to PETA’s plea, nor has there been an official statement from the producers of Bigg Boss 18. However, the controversy has sparked a larger conversation about the ethics of using animals in entertainment. This is not the first time Bigg Boss has featured animals, as previous seasons have included dogs, parrots, and other pets, albeit in much smaller roles.
PETA’s letter, however, specifically calls for the show to reconsider this practice, especially given the growing public consciousness surrounding animal rights and welfare. They argue that while Bigg Boss is meant to entertain, using animals in this way is harmful and should no longer be considered acceptable.
Public and Celebrity Support for PETA’s Call
PETA’s call has garnered support from various animal rights advocates and some celebrities who have echoed the sentiment that using animals as props for entertainment is a practice that should be left in the past. Many argue that entertainment can and should evolve without the need to involve animals, especially in a setting that offers them no escape from stressful situations.
This controversy adds another layer to the broader discourse around reality TV shows, where dramatic stunts and unusual elements are often added to boost ratings. However, as audiences become more aware of ethical issues, many believe that the inclusion of animals in such formats should be reconsidered.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Gadhraj?
As the controversy surrounding Gadhraj’s inclusion in Bigg Boss 18 unfolds, all eyes are on Salman Khan and the show’s producers to see how they respond to PETA’s letter and public criticism. Whether the show will choose to remove the donkey or continue with the current setup remains to be seen. PETA has made it clear that they will continue to push for the animal’s release, stating that the use of animals in such stressful and unnatural environments should no longer be seen as acceptable in modern entertainment.
With the spotlight now on the ethical treatment of animals on reality TV, Bigg Boss 18 faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while maintaining its entertainment value. How the producers and Salman Khan choose to navigate this controversy could set a precedent for the treatment of animals in Indian television moving forward.
For now, fans of the show are waiting to see if Gadhraj will remain in the house or if the showrunners will decide to follow PETA’s advice and surrender the donkey to a sanctuary【
