Transformers director Michael Bay denies killing a pigeon on Italian film set

13 January 2023 , 18:24

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Michael Bay at the premiere for 6 Underground (Image: WireImage)

Blockbuster director Michael Bay has denied killing a pigeon during the filming of his action movie 6 Underground.

Bay, who directed the Transformers film series, is reportedly facing charges in Italy which relate to the killing of a homing pigeon in 2018 on the film set of the Netflix movie, in Rome.

Bay has strongly denied the allegations, and it is understood he tried unsuccessfully several times to clear the case with the authorities

A source claims that a pigeon, which are a protected species in Italy, was allegedly killed by a dolly in the middle of a take. An individual took a photo of the incident and told the Italian authorities, the source alleged.

Michael strongly denies that a pigeon was killed on the 6 Underground film set (Getty Images for Netflix)

In Italy it is illegal to harm, capture, or kill wild birds, including pigeons.

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The 57-year-old denied the claim this week, saying: “I am a well-known animal lover and major animal activist."

He told The Wrap, which broke the story: “No animal involved in the production was injured or harmed. Or on any other production I’ve worked on in the past 30 years.”

“We have clear video evidence," Bay said, adding: “A multitude of witnesses, and safety officers that exonerates us from these claims. And disproves their one paparazzi photo — which gives a false story.”

The cast of 6 Underground

He added that due to an ongoing court case he can't go into specifics, but is confident in prevailing in court.

The Wrap reports the Pearl Harbour director and his legal team have tried three different times within a year to throw the case out.

As Bay was the director, he's being held responsible for the alleged death.

Bay said he was given the chance to settle the matter by paying a small fine, but he said no, because he would not plead guilty.

(Publicity Picture)

6 Underground was released on Netflix and follows a billionaire played by Ryan Reynolds who fakes his own death and forms a group of vigilantes to fight criminals and terrorists.

The Mirror has approached Bay, Netflix and Skydance, which financed the film, for comment.

Katherine Heslop