Actor Aaron Aziz made headlines yesterday when photos of him with a python on a cage with cats in it went viral, and it received criticisms from many netizens, as well as the Malaysia Animal Association (MMA) who urged him to be more sensitive with animals.
The actor himself was well aware of the criticisms and the reminder from MMA, and last night (May 9), he apologised for the matter via an Instagram post. In the meantime, Aaron took the opportunity to explain what really happened.
“The owner of the python asked me to put it on the cage, but…”
In a nearly 4-minute clip, Aaron explained that he was in the midst of a shoot where the reptile was part of the production, as he had a scene where he was “choked” by the snake.Ā Aaron then clarified that it was the licensed owner of the snake himself who asked the actor to place the snake in the cage, and Aaron asked if it was okay to do so.Ā
“It’s fine, the snake eats rabbits, not cats,” the owner told Aaron.
Aaron, who is a cat lover himself also said that he had his eyes on the reptile and the felines throughout the whole time.
“The kittens were all asleep, and the only cat the was awake did not show any fear.”
“I’m just doing my job”
In response to all the criticisms online, Aaron chose NOT to bat an eye at them and said he was merely doing his part by following the order of the director.
“If you wanna criticise me, go ahead. I’m just doing my job.”
You can watch and listen to what he had to say in the Instagram reel below.
As of today (May 10), the owner of the python has also apologised to the public via an IG post on Aaron’s account and assured the public that the actor repeatedly checked with him if the cat would be okay with the predator resting on the cage.Ā
Also read: Māsia Animal Association Slams Local Actor For Placing a Python on Cage With Cats in it
