Channing Tatum is facing intense backlash after appearing to react approvingly to the death of a big game hunter killed during a hunting trip in Zimbabwe.
The Magic Mike star shared a screenshot to his Instagram Stories of a headline that read: Big Game Hunter Crushed to Death in Herd Retaliation After Shooting Elephant on Hunting Trip. Rather than adding commentary, Tatum posted a single clapping hands emoji — a move many online interpreted as celebratory.
The hunter, identified as South African safari guide Theunis Botha, reportedly died during a confrontation with a herd of elephants near a wildlife reserve. According to multiple reports, Botha was leading a hunting group when they encountered a breeding herd. Elephants are known to react aggressively when they sense a threat to their calves.
Witness accounts say the herd charged, creating chaos. During the encounter, one elephant was shot. As the animal collapsed, it reportedly fell on Botha, fatally crushing him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tatum has not publicly elaborated on his post, but the reaction online has been swift and divided. Some users criticized the actor for appearing insensitive toward a fatal incident, while others pointed out the ongoing controversy surrounding trophy hunting and wildlife conservation. The situation has once again sparked heated debate over celebrity commentary on polarizing global issues.
