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The Hump Apologizes for Serving Endangered Whale, Activist Ady Gil Finds Apology 'Unacceptable,' Vows to Continue Protests
Posted to the restaurant's website today, The Hump apologized and admitted guilt for serving endangered Sei whale, which prompted a federal investigation followed up by charges:
We write to address the misdemeanor charge recently filed by the U.S. Attorney. The charge against the restaurant is true: The Hump served whale meat to customers looking to eat what in Japan is widely served as a delicacy. In serving this meat, The Hump ignored its responsibilities to help save endangered whales from extinction and failed to support the world community in its uphill fight to protect all endangered species. While The Hump cannot undo the damage it caused, it will put into place procedures to ensure that it strictly complies with the laws and becomes a good corporate citizen. We sincerely apologize. We pledge to work hard to re-earn the trust of the public and respect of our customers.
For multi-millionaire Ady Gil, however, the apology is unacceptable. "I'm looking for action, not words," he said this morning while protesting actions against seals outside the Canadian Embassy in downtown L.A. Gil, owner of the projector company American Hi Definition, made headlines last December by funding a Sea Shephard boat that was named after him. It was soon involved in a crash with a Japanese whaler boat and sustained damage (video).
But that doesn't stop Gil who is raising money for a second boat and promises to protest The Hump and Typhoon--same owners--everyday until 2015. After all, he has enough money and projectors to do it.
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"In reality, I can be here until the year 2015 and sponsor this protest, but it's a complete waste of energy," he said Saturday night standing outside the two restaurants. "I'm not against somebody trying to make a living, but I'm against somebody who is trying to push the envelope so much to exploit animals."
Gil wants the owner to go beyond the written apology and rectify it by taking action. He hopes the owner will call and have a conversation.
The Hump still faces charges from the U.S. Attorneys office and a possible eviction the city of Santa Monica, which owns the Santa Monica airport where the restaurants lease space.
Also: Photos from the large Friday Protest in front of the Restaurant
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