Cromwell charged in SeaWorld protest
SAN DIEGO — Oscarnominated actor James Cromwell has been charged with misdemeanor trespassing after interrupting an orca show at SeaWorld in July.
If convicted, Cromwell — who had roles in “L.A. Confidential,” “The Green Mile” and “Babe” — faces up to 90 days in jail, a $400 fine or both. Arraignment documents were filed Friday in San Diego County Superior Court.
Cromwell previously has said he would serve jail time rather than pay fines in cases related to his actions as an activist.
On July 24, Cromwell and six activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals began protesting an orca show at SeaWorld San Diego.
In a video posted on PETA’s Facebook page, Cromwell, 77, appears in a black T-shirt that says “Seaworld Sucks” and stood in front of six protesters who held signs reading “SeaWorld Kills.” At one point, a person threw a beverage at the group.
Using a small megaphone, Cromwell shouted about the differences between orcas in captivity and those in the ocean.
“Here, they do not swim with their families, they are separated from them,” Cromwell said. Moments later, two security guards approached.
The protesters linked arms, but security removed them one at a time from the arena. All seven were cited and released.