Comedian Accused of Animal Cruelty After Bringing Leashed Kangaroo on Stage

A comedian has copped backlash after he brought a kangaroo on a leash on stage and danced with it on April 1.Mike Epps, who starred in The Hangover, brought the kangaroo out during the Festival of Laughs tour in Detroit, Michigan. Fans said the marsupial looked distressed and considered it animal abuse. TMZ reported the kangaroo was subject to an investigation about whether it was legally acquired. The animal’s handler told MLive.com before the Epps show that the kangaroo was part of an educational animal show, which has been in business for a decade.
Epps apologized on Instagram and pledged to donate money to a foundation to “save the kangaroos.” It’s worth noting the kangaroo, despite being a national symbol, holds a pest status in parts of Australia. Credit: Eric Chambers via Storyful