‘Blackfish’ director denies SeaWorld’s allegations, says investigator didn’t provide documents

ORLANDO, Fla. – The director of a documentary that explored a killer whale’s involvement in the death of a SeaWorld trainer says a Labor Department investigator who probed the incident didn’t provide filmmakers with any confidential documents.

In a statement to The Associated Press, “Blackfish” director Gabriela Cowperthwaite says that Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator Lara Padgett wasn’t part of its production and that she, “along with her OSHA colleagues, declined repeated requests to participate in Blackfish.”

Cowperthwaite says she’s “looking forward to a day when SeaWorld honestly and transparently addresses animal welfare and trainer safety.”

SeaWorld filed a complaint last week alleging Padgett engaged in unethical conduct by providing filmmakers with government documents. The allegations were turned over to Office of the Inspector General.