Entertainment

Liam Neeson Is Still Receiving Criticism for This

by Emma Goddard

After Liam Neeson publicly expressed his discontent with banning horse drawn carriages in Central Park in early March, many animal rights activists criticized the celebrity for his stance on the matter. Yet despite the fact that New York City mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposed ban continues to be an ongoing topic of conversation, those in support of it are still expressing discontent with the Non Stop actor. On Saturday, April 19, animal welfare activists picketed outside Neeson’s home to show their disagreement.

Approximately 50 demonstrators stood outside of Nesson’s apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side while police officers watched over them. Those gathered outside made sure to make their point loud and clear by carrying signs that read with phrases like “Liam Neeson: Stop Supporting Cruelty!” and “Worked to Death!” with images of dead horses. Some even dressed up in horse costumes as well. Though the demonstration continued for some time, Neeson never appeared, as one can imagine him probably wanting to avoid the negative spotlight this has created for him.

NYCLASS, an organization that has joined de Blasio in his mission by volunteering to help commission electric vintage-style cars that would replace the horses, also participated in the protest. Their members gathered along the sidewalk with others from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Although Neeson has yet to comment on everyone who protested outside his home and who has yet to follow up on his earlier message that the horse carriage industry should remain, it’s pretty clear that the once-major following he had is slowly dwindling.