Kurt Zouma’s cat video could now apparently have legal consequences. The West Ham professional even faces a prison sentence.
Kurt Zouma is starting to feel the consequences for his video of him abusing a cat. West Ham United‘s 27-year-old loses a sponsorship deal, faces a hefty fine and even jail time is not out of the question.
“We have completed our investigation and can confirm that Kurt Zouma is no longer under contract with adidas,” said the sporting goods manufacturer. His club West Ham United fined the French defender almost 300,000 euros.
“West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum possible for his conduct in the video that has been circulating. The player immediately accepted the fine, which is to be donated to an animal welfare organization. West Ham United would like reiterate that we condemn Kurt’s behavior and continue to treat the matter with the utmost seriousness,” the Hammers said, who have also received numerous complaints from sponsors. The first lenders even put their payments on hold.
Zouma’s brother uploaded a video to Snapchat showing the former Chelsea player dropping a cat from his chest, kicking the animal as it lands, chasing it across the living room, throwing shoes at it and slapping it.
Meanwhile, fans have started an online petition to ban Zouma from keeping animals. 300,000 signatures have already been submitted. Since the animal welfare law was amended in France in 2021, the ten-time international could even go to prison for up to four years.
Animal rights group investigates Zouma case
The RSPCA, an animal welfare organization in England and Wales, is investigating the case. West Ham United have already announced that they will support these investigations. Zouma himself has already handed over the two cats to RSPCA.
“The two cats are now in the care of the RSPCA. They have been examined by a veterinarian and remain in our care while the investigation continues,” a spokesman for the organization said.
Mikhail Antonio: “Worse than racism?”
Meanwhile, Zouma’s teammate Michail Antonio said he doesn’t condone anything Zouma has done.
But he also said: “I just have to ask everyone out there this question: Is what he did worse than what the people who were convicted of racism did? There are people who are convicted of racism and got caught and went on playing football after that. They got an eight-game penalty or something like that. Now people are demanding he be sacked.”
