Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
SeaWorld agrees to $65 million investor lawsuit settlement
Settlement
SeaWorld Entertainment agreed to pay $65 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it misled investors about the impact of the documentary "Blackfish" on its financial results. SeaWorld did not admit wrongdoing, and the settlement agreement requires court approval.
Source excerpt
SeaWorld did not admit to any wrongdoing under the terms of the settlement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. on Tuesday agreed to pay $65 million to settle a lawsuit in which the theme park company was accused of misleading investors over the impact the documentary “Blackfish” was having on its bottom line.
The settlement agreement must be approved by the court.
2018
Annual-pass automatic-renewal litigation
SeaWorld settled a class action concerning automatic renewals of annual passes. The cited reference material reports an $11.5 million settlement.
2013
Blackfish and captive-orca controversy
The documentary Blackfish criticized SeaWorld’s use and management of killer whales and examined multiple incidents involving the orca Tilikum and trainers. The film became a major reputational challenge and was followed by political scrutiny, attendance pressure and changes to the company’s orca policies.