Amid ongoing outrage over the controversial ‘pink elephant’ photo shoot, Russian artist Julia Buruleva has taken an unusual step by launching a support petition for herself, even as criticism surrounding the incident continues to intensify online

The controversy dates back to November 2025, when a 65-year-old elephant named Chanchal was painted pink for a staged shoot. The animal died weeks later in February, according to reports.

Photographs from the shoot quickly spread across social media, triggering strong reactions and accusations of animal cruelty. Those involved in the project, including Buruleva, came under intense scrutiny.

Public anger grew sharper after news of the elephant’s death surfaced. However, the animal’s owner, Sadiq Khan, stated that the death was not connected to the pink gulaal used during the shoot.

Online criticism floods artist’s page

In recent days, Buruleva’s Instagram account has been inundated with negative comments. Several users have directly linked the photo shoot to the elephant’s death, holding the artist responsible.

Responding to the criticism, Buruleva shared a post late last night denying any connection between the shoot and the elephant’s death. She maintained that the animal had died due to age-related reasons.

She also criticised media coverage of the incident, accusing outlets of spreading misleading narratives and amplifying speculation as fact. Alongside this, she claimed to have received threats, including messages wishing her harm.

“SHAME ON THE MEDIA spreading false claims for hype, saying that my photoshoot with a pink elephant caused an elephant's death,” she wrote.

“There is evidence confirming that the elephant died of old age many months after the shoot, yet speculation is presented as fact.

And to those who send hate, threats, and even death wishes to me, my friends, models, and followers, this says everything about your values,” she added.

Call for support through hashtag campaign

Closing her post, Buruleva urged her followers to stand by her and amplify her message using the hashtag supportArtistJuliaBuruleva.

“If you'd like to SUPPORT me, share this post and use #supportArtistJuliaBuruleva,” she wrote.

Social media users remain unconvinced

Despite her clarification, many social media users continued to criticise her actions, arguing that involving an elderly elephant in such a shoot was inappropriate regardless of the cause of death.

One user commented, “You destroyed a living creature solely for the sake of content and likes. And you think you are completely blameless? Why do you believe you have the right to torment animals? Today it is an elephant, who will it be tomorrow? You, and you alone, are to blame for what happened.”

“Sorry but no, you do not deserve support. It was an elderly elephant that could not express if it was in pain, uncomfortable or stressed. Do it to yourself or anyone willing, animals are not trophies or toys,” another wrote.

A further response read, “You abused an elderly elephant just for a photo shoot, that elephant is now gone and you are trying to justify yourself. Unbelievable.”

Among the many reactions, one user added, “No one supports you. You can go climb Mount Everest and shout that you are not responsible for that poor creature’s death, but the truth is that you used that elephant in a way no animal should be used.”