Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says He Dumped a Dead Bear in Central Park in Video With Roseanne Barr
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known public figure and independent presidential candidate, recently shared a startling story involving a prank with a dead bear in Central Park. The revelation came in a video posted on his social media, where he recounted the incident to comedian Roseanne Barr. Here’s an in-depth look at the story, the media reaction, and its implications.
The Story Unveiled: A Prank in Central Park
Kennedy’s Social Media Revelation
In a video shared on his social media, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. narrated an incident from 2014 to Roseanne Barr. The video, which quickly went viral, shows Kennedy detailing how he left a dead bear in Central Park as a prank. The caption accompanying the video reads, “Looking forward to seeing how you spin this one, @NewYorker…”
The Incident Recap
Kennedy explained that while he was in Goshen, New York, a woman driving a van in front of him hit and killed a young bear. Kennedy decided to take the bear with him, intending to skin it and store the meat. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he ended up in New York City with the bear still in his car.
The Prank
With a bike in his car and an idea forming, Kennedy and his companions decided to stage the scene to make it appear as if the bear had been hit by the bike. They placed the bear in Central Park with the bike nearby, thinking it would be amusing for those who found it. Little did they know, the prank would escalate far beyond their expectations.
Media Frenzy and Public Reaction
Immediate Media Coverage
The next day, the story was all over the news. Kennedy described turning on the TV to see extensive coverage, including yellow tape, police cars, and helicopters. Authorities treated the scene seriously, even discussing plans to fingerprint the bike.
Historical Context
The incident was indeed reported at the time. A New York Times article from October 7, 2014, noted that a dead bear cub was found in Central Park by a woman walking her dog. The bear was lying under some bushes, partially concealed by an abandoned bicycle. The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation later confirmed the cause of death as blunt force injuries from a motor vehicle collision.
The Aftermath and Reactions
Kennedy’s Response
Kennedy expressed concern in the video, noting that his fingerprints were all over the bike. Despite his worries, the story eventually faded from the headlines. However, it has resurfaced due to inquiries from The New Yorker, which is preparing a detailed article on the event.
Roseanne Barr’s Reaction
Throughout Kennedy’s recounting, Roseanne Barr listened attentively, occasionally reacting with humor. The video concludes with Kennedy laughing with Barr and others present, reflecting on the absurdity of the situation.
Additional Controversies
Kennedy’s Other Claims
This incident is not the first time Kennedy has made headlines for unusual stories. He has previously claimed that a parasitic worm ate part of his brain and has shared various conspiracy theories. These claims, along with the bear prank, have contributed to his controversial public image.
Vanity Fair Article
A Vanity Fair article from July 2 unearthed a 2010 photo of Kennedy with what appeared to be the barbequed remains of a dog. Kennedy later claimed the carcass was of a goat in Patagonia, adding another layer of controversy to his public persona.
The Broader Implications
Impact on Public Perception
Incidents like these shape public perception of Kennedy. While some may view his stories as amusing or eccentric, others might see them as concerning, particularly given his presidential candidacy. The resurfacing of the bear prank and other controversies could influence voter opinions as the election approaches.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Staging a scene with a dead animal in a public park raises legal and ethical questions. While Kennedy and his companions may have intended it as a harmless prank, the extensive police response and public concern highlight the potential consequences of such actions.
