'American Idol' Contestant Will Moseley Under Fire for Controversial Hunting Video: 'Exact Opposite of An American Idol'

Will Moseley, an American Idol contestant, stirred controversy among fans after a hunting video he posted on social media years ago began making the rounds again.

The clip shows his dogs attacking a wild hog.

Hailing from Georgia, the 23-year-old Moseley, a current Top 8 finalist in the ongoing season, posted the video on Instagram in January 2022. It shows him on a hunting excursion, where he pursues a hog trapped in a river bed.

The unsettling scene shows four dogs viciously assaulting a trembling hog, nipping at it while it struggled to protect itself. Accompanying the footage was a snapshot featuring Moseley, his father, and his girlfriend beaming as they pose alongside a lifeless hog, presumably the same one shown in the video.

The caption accompanying the post read, "Those good ol' January Swims."

Moseley Slammed By PETA

Animal activist organization PETA posted the video on its X page and took a stand against the behavior. "This sickening video of @AmericanIdol contestant Will Moseley setting dogs on a wild pig is going viral. He's the exact opposite of an American Idol!"

The PETA-added caption on the video read, "Anyone who encourages dogs to rip apart other animals should be in jail for cruelty to animals, not on a stage."

"Unless Will Moseley has changed and gained some much-needed compassion since his boar-killing days, we urge the public to vote according to their values and end his American Idol dream, the same way he ended the lives of vulnerable animals."

Hunting laws in Georgia, Moseley's home state, allow people to hunt wild hogs on private property with the landowner's consent. In addition, hunting is allowed on public lands such as National Forest Lands and Wildlife Management Areas. There is no limit and no closed season when it comes to hunting feral hogs.

A statement provided to TMZ by an official from the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources highlighted that feral hogs are considered an invasive species, and hunting them is permissible on both private properties and certain designated public lands within the state of Georgia.

"Where designated, dogs can be used in hunting feral hogs. There are no restrictions on that use except on public lands."

Losing Fans Left and Right

Upon seeing Moseley's actions, fans wasted no time sharing their thoughts in his video's comments section on Instagram.

One individual expressed disappointment, stating, "This is a clear example of animal mistreatment. My fandom lasted a mere half-hour before witnessing this."

A second person wrote, "This is the most horrific thing I've ever seen. Saw you on @americanidol tonight but not sure I can be a fan of this."

"I hope u don't win-this is disgusting," and "Agreed!! Lost a fan. Sickening," a third and fourth social media user wrote.

Moseley's online presence has other images of him and his family proudly showcasing the animals they have hunted or fished, but all indications are that their activities were done lawfully.

Tags

American Idol