Vegan celebrity Joaquin Phoenix has sparked controversy after riding a horse in an upcoming film.

Longtime vegan and animal rights activist Joaquin Phoenix has once again jumped on horseback after his 2018 movie The Sisters Brothers.

The actor was recently spotted riding a horse on the set of his upcoming film ‘Napoleon’ by British director Ridley Scott.

This might come as a surprise to some, given that Phoenix, who has been vegan since the age of three, has strongly maintained that using any animal products or using animals is a ‘gross abuse of power’.

When questioned about his view on riding a horse during the shoot of his previous film, he said: “I didn’t like riding horses. I actually regretted having to ride. I’m a little clueless, because I don’t think that I really thought about it that much until I was there and realized, ‘Oh, it’s a Western, and we’re on horses a lot.’ I hadn’t really considered that. I felt bad about riding them. I had the feeling that they were like, ‘I don’t really want you on my back.'”

The upcoming historical action movie is scheduled to release in November.

‘A horse’s back is not a seat’

Phoenix agreeing to mount a horse in the new movie has sparked controversy. Many people called out the actor for his apparent hypocrisy and double standards.

“I’m disappointed but not surprised; celebrities are usually full of shit,” wrote one Reddit user.

“Joaquin doesn’t need any more money, though. Also riding a horse for a movie wouldn’t just negativity affect that individual, but also continue to normalize that specific abuse to millions of viewers,” added another.

A third commented: “It is practicable and possible to not ride horses for a fictional activity such as movie making. I am completely against the idea, and find it morally abhorrent that Joaquin continues to take acting roles that put him in the position to ride another. A horse’s back is not a seat.”

Joaquin Phoenix: An Advocate for Animal Rights

While people may be disappointed by Phoenix’s latest move, there is no denying that the 48-year-old acclaimed actor often uses his fame to advocate for animal rights.

Phoenix has participated in several vigils and rescues and has openly spoken against animal abuse at widely televised events.

He has also used his influence as an award-winning actor to bring attention to animal welfare issues at high-profile events like the Academy Awards. In 2020, he used his acceptance speech for Best Actor to speak out against the dairy industry and encourage people to consider the impact of their food choices on animals and the environment.

He was also instrumental in helping various ceremonies, including the Oscars, the SAG Awards, and the Critics’ Choice Awards, add vegan food to their menus in the same year.

Phoenix has also been vocal about the use of animal products in fashion and has worked with designers to promote cruelty-free alternatives.

So, while some may criticize Phoenix for his apparent hypocrisy, it’s important to remember that actors are not their characters, and their job is to portray a variety of roles—even if it means going against their personal beliefs. Whether they should take on such roles is another question altogether.

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