The Rock is one of the most beloved celebrities of this generation, and for good reasons.
He's a loving husband and father of three gorgeous girls, he's not afraid to show his emotional side, and he stars in the most entertaining films.
It's hard to think of someone more perfect than the Jumanji actor, which is why one of his latest Instagram posts is coming as a shock to many loyal fans.
"My interpretation of 'fun' has always been slightly debatable."
On October 19, Dwayne Johnson shared a bizarre photo of him having "fun," but some fans think he crossed the line.
The funnyman is seen smiling while sitting on top of an alligator, while holding its mouth shut.
He posted this caption with the photo above:
"TBT in our beloved Florida Everglades where I tamed Big Bertha "” the legendary swampland gator responsible for biting off 7 human arms, 47 toes, 12 truck bumpers and 1 leather fanny pack. My interpretation of "fun" has always been slightly debatable. Now kindly hold my tequila tea, I gotta gator to wrassle."
If you've been following The Rock on Instagram for a few months now, then you may have come across the first alligator post he made back in April.
Johnson explained that in preparation for the 2018 movie Rampage, he spent time studying gorillas, and other animals, like alligators.
"Gorillas weren't the only animals I spent time with for my RAMPAGE research. Luckily, I'm a country boy who lives only a few miles from the swamps of the Florida Everglades. I do a lot of fishin' and truckin' down here and these gators are some of my favorite fresh water species. They've been rompin' and chompin' for 37 million years. Incredible animal.. especially once I'm able to calm "˜em, then I'm really able to appreciate up close. *Important legal disclaimer: If you come across a gator, don't try doing this. You'll lose a limb or something much worse. Call the Fish and Wildlife Commission or WorldStar."
The posts have sparked outrage
What's alarming to many fans is that after the post from April stirred controversy, Johnson posted another photo of him wrestling an alligator in October.
"Makes me sad to see someone with such a big heart supporting animal abuse," someone wrote.
"Please leave them alone. What you're doing is animal abuse. Put yourself in his position for a moment and think about how you would feel. You are spreading the wrong message to your followers. Animal abuse is not cool and does not make you a man," another commented.
"I dont think he should be sitting on the alligator. Period."
One user was completely disappointed by the post and felt let down.
"I would love to see you without the handlers around, confined environment and the sedation given to the gator to see if he would still let you on his back?! My children look up to you, this is not cool."
While some fans were clearly frustrated by these posts, others didn't see the big deal with it and defended the actor.
"Dwayne has to spend time with the animals he has to work with while acting so please show him some respect."
Some people even went as far as to say that there's nothing cruel about alligator wrestling.
"Cruelty is when gators eat small children and pets, and drag people walking down the road into the ponds and drown them!"
"He didn't hurt it though. That place actually helps animals to the point they trust them."
The reality of alligator wrestling
According to a report by Vice, gator shows and alligator wrestling are "preserving Florida's independent tourism industry."
Animal rights groups have also condemned these "cruel money-making industries," and believe it should be included as one of the 10 cruelest tourist attractions.
Despite all the controversy that has arisen from these images, The Rock has not responded to any of the comments.
[H/T: Country Living]
