The director has been an outspoken advocate for animals in the past, an ardent environmentalist, and vegan for over 10 years.

Renowned director James Cameron has come under fire for attending a “dolphin show” to promote his epic science fiction film Avatar: The Way of Water.

Cameron was in Tokyo, Japan on 10th December to promote the sequel.  In a press conference held at a marine park, Cameron welcomed all the guests saying “Welcome to Pandora” (alluding to the fictional world the movies are set in). Post that, they all watched an Avatar-themed dolphin show.

The show featured a number of acts, in which dolphins performed “tricks.” One appeared to dance with a trainer while another gave his trainer a ride on his beak.

The entire Avatar crew seemed to enjoy the show as they applauded the dolphins’ histrionics. Cameron gushed that he loved the animals and how well they connected with humans.

“I love these animals, I love their intelligence. I love their sociability, their ability to connect with us and to interact with us and learn from us,” Cameron said.

“And I’m sure everybody asked their permission to be in the show.” 

Outrage

Snippets of the show circulating on the internet have quickly gone viral and animal lovers, activists have slammed the director for his decision to attend the show.

“Seriously @jamescameronofficial? No, no one asked the Dolphins permission to be in the show,” PETA wrote.

“Is it true you supported a dolphin show in Japan? Do you realize the brutality of the hunts and the difficulty of fighting this absurd business? You’re not helping James Cameron,” wrote one twitter user.

“Could you please explain us? Dozens of dolphins were killed to capture these one. Are you on the side of the humans that invade and destroy Pandora? I am a huge fan but I do not understand,” added another.

“Is Joaquin Phoenix literally the only consistent famous vegan? What’s wrong with you, James Cameron? Attending dolphin shows is not vegan,” a third commented.

James Cameron’s vegan avatar

The director’s decision is shocking since he has been an outspoken advocate for animals, an ardent environmentalist, and vegan for over 10 years.

He has previously worked on a number of documentaries with vegan and animal-rights themes.

According to reports, the director only served vegan food on the set of the “Avatar” sequel productions.

The move was in part to ensure that the production process complemented the film’s environmental message.

Cameron was also behind the documentary film “Game Changers,” which debunked common misconceptions about veganism from a health and fitness perspective. The film, which was lauded by attendees at the Sundance Film Festival spotlighted how a plant-based diet can enhance athletic performance and improve sex lives.

On his part, Cameron went vegan in 2012 and claimed “I’m healthier than I’ve ever been. Most of these punks can’t keep up with me.”

He recently announced vegans are “futurevore,” because “We’re eating the way people will eat in the future. We’re just doing it early.”

• Read: Is David Attenborough vegan? Here’s what we know

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