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Footballer Kurt Zouma slammed for KICKING his pet cat in shocking video: 'Absolutely repulsive'

West Ham condemned the actions quickly after being aware of the video. It said, 'We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing the matter internally'

Trigger warning: Article contains references to animal abuse

Fans have slammed West Ham defender Kurt Zouma after he was caught on camera kicking and hitting his pet cat. The 27-year-old was caught assaulting a Bengal cat in front of his brother, Yoan, with the animal desperately attempting to flee. He was named in West Ham's starting XI against Watford hours after the clip surfaced. Zouma, who drop-kicked the cat at one point before knocking it out of a child's arms and hurling expensive shoes in its way in another film, has apologized for his behavior and claims the event was accidental. Social media was quick to react and many users have shown their displeasure regarding the incident. 

The Hammers center-back, who joined the London Stadium from Chelsea in the summer of 2021, added, in a statement, "I deeply regret my involvement in the video that has been widely circulated and unreservedly apologize, not only for my actions but for the upset and distress this will have caused to so many people. I am now taking time to reflect on what I have done but wish to assure everyone that this was an isolated incident and not something that I am proud of."

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West Ham also condemned the actions quickly after being made aware of the video. A statement from the east London-based club reads, “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated. We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.” 

One user wrote, "if you are so tough mother****er, @KurtZouma, try to kick me. What a piece of shit. No tolerance for animal cruelty." "That's vile and disgusting, and what kind of role model is that for the kids in the house...shocking, the RSPCA and West Ham need to do something about this," another Twitter user remarked. Yet another person added, "He dropkicked the cat and slapped the shit out of the cat all while people around him are laughing about it. It’s safe to assume this is not the first time based on how comfortable he is with this behavior. It’s absolutely repulsive." 

Another user wondered, "sometimes there are videos that you just wished you’d never seen. Why. Why do humans have to be like this?" Another user quoted, "he literally kicks for a living! Kicked a poor defenseless animal who trusts him..." After seeing Zouma play in the Premier League match against Watford, West Ham sponsor Experience Kissimmee — a Florida-based vacation destination – expressed their displeasure with the club's choice. The company sent out a tweet saying, “It was disheartening to learn that the player Kurt Zouma was part of the starting line in West Ham United’s game tonight. As we wait for further information from WHU, we will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club.” 

Dr Maggie Roberts, of charity Cats Protection, said to The Sun, “Any person seen or suspected of treating an animal badly, whether this is physical violence, neglect or any other form of cruelty should be reported to the RSPCA. The police work closely with the RSPCA to investigate cases of animal cruelty. Cats are sentient beings and experience pain and fear. Beating up a cat will only cause it to suffer physically and mentally. We noticed that some people viewing the video online thought it was funny. We can assure them that this is not a laughing matter.”