'A Dog's Purpose' Actor KJ Apa Responds to Controversial Video

KJ Apa, one of the young stars of the new movie A Dog’s Purpose, has responded to the controversial video that shows one of the animals in the film seemingly being forced to perform a stunt in water.

The 19-year-old actor, who will also star in The CW’s upcoming series Riverdale based on the Archie comics, released a statement on Twitter.

KJ says he did not experience anything like what was seen in the video while on set.

“First things first, I LOVE ALL ANIMALS and would never EVER condone inhumane treatment or abuse of an animal at any time. I was saddened to see the footage from the set of A Dog’s Purpose – a film I was honored to act in, in 2015,” KJ began his statement.

Click inside to read the rest of the statement…

“The video was hard to watch, and I understand why many of you have had the reactions that you did because I had the same ones. The footage is still being investigated, from my own experience, I only encountered cast and crewmembers who had unconditional love and respect for every single dog on set, and went to great lengths to assure their safety and wellbeing,” KJ added.

“I want you guys to know that I would NEVER attach myself to a project that didn’t treat animals with the utmost care, and honestly, the possibility that an animal could’ve been hurt is troubling to me,” he added. “I have been assured that Hercules is happy and healthy.”

After the video leaked this week, the studio decided to cancel the film’s world premiere, set to take place this weekend.