Charity Born Free has dropped Martin Clunes as a patron after footage of him going on an elephant ride sparked an outcry.
We revealed on Saturday how the actor, 57, climbed it using its trunk and ears in My Travels and Other Animals, aired on ITV last week.
Born Free chief Howard Jones said: “We can confirm that, with much regret, Martin Clunes is no longer a patron. Born Free has always been opposed to the exploitation of captive wild animals for entertainment and human interactions, including riding elephants.”
Campaigners are demanding that ITV apologises and drops the show from its catch-up service.
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The broadcaster has said it was “deeply unfair” and “misrepresentative” to suggest the show endorsed cruelty, as Clunes “made it very clear he had serious concerns about elephants carrying people”.
But actor Dan Richardson, also a Born Free patron, said: “What I found outstanding and deeply ironic was they had the audacity to use the term ‘deeply unfair’.
"Here we are talking about an animal whose life is deeply unfair. It’s inexcusable.
“At the very least they should make an apology and withdraw the episode. They need to be made accountable.”
Monty Don, Jane McDonald and Michael Portillo have also been blasted for elephant rides.
