Trump posts video of UK tiger attack - as victim's family say online content causing 'severe distress'

The family of a man killed by a tiger have said "deeply offensive content is causing them severe distress".

It comes as Donald Trump posted a widely shared clip of the attack involving William Chapman on social media.

Mr Chapman's family said the 23-year-old had a "significant mental illness" and they are "utterly devastated" by his death.

He was killed after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday.

Mr Trump posted a video of Mr Chapman and the tiger on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening, alongside the caption: "Don't ever mess with nature!"

The US president later published an AI-generated clip of himself chasing and wrestling the tiger.

Mr Chapman's family statement - also released on Tuesday night - asked people to stop sharing such content, which they said was causing "severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time".

Downing Street said people should respect the views of Mr Chapman's family over the sharing of footage but declined to comment directly on Mr Trump's actions.

The prime minister's official spokesman said: "I think obviously the family have made their position clear. Of course, we respect that position."

But he added: "I'm not going to comment on the president's social media channels, he's got a press secretary who can speak to that."

Family pay tribute

Mr Chapman's family described him as a "bright, warm and engaging young man" who was "dearly loved".

"Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication," they added.

"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."

Mr Chapman was a child actor who appeared in ITV's May Contain Nuts in 2009, alongside Harry Potter star Shirley Henderson, and in the BBC's True Stories series in 2012.

The Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where he was a former student, paid tribute on Instagram.

It said it was "deeply saddened" and Mr Chapman would "be remembered with great fondness".

"We loved watching William grow, both as a person and as a performer, during his time with us," a spokesperson said.

"It was a privilege to be part of his journey, and he will be remembered with great fondness by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him," the school added.

"William will be truly missed, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts."

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Mr Chapman filmed himself approaching the tiger as it lay on a wooden platform in the moments before the attack, according to footage on his social media.

The person filming can be heard breathing heavily as distant voices shout "Oh my God" and "seriously".

Police confirmed Mr Chapman was visiting the park alone.

'Its eyes locked on to something'

Eyewitnesses said people were frantically telling Mr Chapman to "play dead", but he didn't appear to understand. He was heard telling the tiger to "stop being naughty".

One witness said he was "dancing with headphones on" shortly before climbing into the enclosure.

Anthony Hunt, who was there with his girlfriend, Scarlet, said they were taking pictures of the tiger when they saw its composure change and head turn.

"Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure. We thought maybe he's getting fed," said Mr Hunt.

"When Scarlett was taking photos, we suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure."

The victim "bowed down, on all fours, started praying, and looking up at the sky," he said.

"The tiger was still on the landing at this point" - but then "leapt off the landing, and sniffed the guy".

The wildlife park - which has confirmed the tiger will not be put down - remained closed on Wednesday.

The local council has launched a health and safety investigation, while an inquest into Mr Chapman's death is due to open in Doncaster on Thursday.

(c) Sky News 2026: Trump posts video of UK tiger attack - as victim's family say online content causing 'severe distress'