The Gilded Age has seen HBO make a statement after a horse died on set, resulting in PETA calling for an investigation.
According to Deadline, the horse's death is reported to have occurred in New York's Nassau County on June 28 during filming, with a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) whistleblower alleging the horse sustained a head injury, but this hasn't been confirmed.
The elaborate period drama is set in 1882 and features horses as that time period would have, with HBO alleging it was in "full compliance with all safety precautions" in regards to animals on set and the full autopsy results will follow.
"HBO was saddened to learn that on June 28, during filming on the set of The Gilded Age, a horse collapsed and died, likely of natural causes, according to a veterinarian's preliminary findings," the network said in a statement.
"The safety and well-being of animals on all our productions is a top priority, and the producers of The Gilded Age work with American Humane to ensure full compliance with all safety precautions. Following AHA's recommendation, the horse was transported to a facility for a full necropsy. AHA has interviewed all involved personnel, and full necropsy results are pending."
In an open letter to HBO exec Casey Bloys, PETA called for the use of horses in productions to stop, writing that they "aren't props" and "should not be used in film or television productions at all".
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In a further statement, it added: "PETA is reminding HBO that watchful, compassionate people can be found on every set and is urging it to stop using horses before someone else dies in its productions."
The period drama, from the creator of Downton Abbey, in terms of extravagance, has been renewed for a second season.
The Russells will be back, of course – but there is one character who won't be returning for season two.
The Gilded Age airs on Sky Atlantic, as well as the streaming service NOW, in the UK. It airs on HBO and HBO Max in the US.
Tasha is a freelance writer for with a particular interest in the representation of women in film and TV. After graduating with a Literature degree then journalism qualifications with News Associates a few years further back than she’d like to admit, Tasha began her freelance career. She’s worked as a writer, editor and commissioning editor for a number of publications including Digital Spy. She is also a theatre critic. LinkedIn
