Springwatch's Chris Packham responds to complaints over 'brutal' scenes
Springwatch star Chris Packham has addressed recent complaints from BBC Two viewers after the wildlife programme showed distressing scenes
Chris Packham has responded to the backlash from viewers over distressing scenes aired on a recent episode of BBC Two's Springwatch.
The presenter, who co-hosts the wildlife show with Michaela Strachan, addressed the concerns in a fresh interview following a wave of complaints about Monday's (9 June) episode.
In the controversial instalment, Chris and Michaela explored the wildlife at Longshaw Estate, featuring footage of a tawny owl and song thrush chicks. The segment took a grim turn when the owl preyed upon the song thrush chicks.
Viewers took to social media to express their shock, labelling the scenes as "brutal" and "savage", with some even accusing the BBC of being "heartless" for broadcasting the footage.
Among the grievances aired online was one viewer's comment: "Well done #springwatch. Tens of thousands of children now crying and in distress! They're not all heartless like you, horrible BBC."
Another comment from a Springwatch fan read: "That was brutal, but the owls have to do whatever is necessary to live #springwatch."
Addressing the contentious scenes, Chris acknowledged their "gruesome" nature but defended the Springwatch team's commitment to portraying reality, reports Gloucestershire Live.
"That's what happened. It is gruesome. Things eat one another. Did everyone who complained about that not go to a supermarket and buy some packaged meat and eat it all?" said the vegan TV host in an interview with The i Paper.
Chris then delved into the importance of "public trust," highlighting that viewers have come to rely on Springwatch for its honesty in broadcasting nature as it is.
Emphasising the programme's commitment to authenticity, Chris disclosed: "Our job is to show the truth. If we hid that, we would lose public trust."
With a reputation built on integrity, he noted: "We've earned public trust over years and years of making natural history programmes by telling people the truth, and sometimes owls eat one another. Yum, yum."
Addressing a more pressing issue, Chris also touched on "climate breakdown" and its increasingly visible effects, describing observed changes as both "phenomenal" and "terrifying".
Determined to leverage his influence, he resolved to deploy his "small amount of power" to "effect change", using Springwatch as a vital platform to communicate the critical urgency of these environmental challenges.
Springwatch continues on BBC Two at 8pm on Thursday, 12 June. All episodes of Springwatch are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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