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Prince Harry hasn’t heard the last of PETA as the animal rights organization continues to eye his upcoming Netflix show about Polo. Days back, the streaming giant announced two unnamed shows from the Sussexes as part of its multi-million dollar deal with Archewell Productions Company. While Meghan Markle would champion one of the shows exploring the lifestyle niche with a focus on cooking and gardening, Prince Harry would take viewers on a journey through the world of Polo in the other show, a sport he’s passionate about.
Prince Harry’s Upcoming Polo Show Under Scrutiny
Despite the Prince’s enthusiasm to put one of his favorite things out there for the world to better appreciate, the move has been deemed less-than-impressive. The public believes the documentary is just another screen venture from the controversial royals that is destined for failure. Many have utilized social media to voice their opinions of the show, mostly describing it as “pointless,” and “unrelatable,” targeting the “1% of the 1%” of people who may have an interest in polo.
Speaking to GB News, model and socialite Lady Victori Hervey noted that while a few may have an interest in Harry’s polo life, the sport isn’t universal. Hence, those outside his “little group” would find it unrelatable. Something else that could stand in the way of its success? PETA.
PETA Comes For Prince Harry
Aside from the opinion of critics pointing out that an audience for such a show as Prince Harry’s was in short supply, animal rights activists are also critical of the Netflix polo documentary for its perceived exploitation of animals. The nonprofit, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), speaking to Newsweek, revealed that they would continue striving to discourage people from associating with the sport. Elisa Allen, PETA’s VP of Programmes and Operations divulged,
“Polo involves many of the harsh practices horses are prominently subjected to in the horseracing world, including the use of whips that sting and sharp metal spurs that dig into their sides.”
Elisa further explained the various harsh treatment horses endure in the game, including whipping, or accidental hits in the head. These animals end up sustaining injuries that render them “used up.” Once useless to the riders, most end up in the slaughterhouse.
Rather than subject horses to such brutality, the organization encourage polo lovers to channel their interests to other harmless hobbies involving only willing participants instead. PETA‘s move to dissuade people from participating in or viewing the sports could reduce the numbers once Prince Harry’s polo show hits Netflix. That in turn would be bad for ratings.