The celebrated author and chef took his own life

The chef took his own life (Photo: Lwp Kommunikáció)

Abolitionist vegan Gary L. Francione has blasted vegans who have celebrated the suicide of chef and author Anthony Bourdain.

Bourdain, 61, was best known for his food shows including A Cook's Tour, and his bestselling non-fiction book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures In The Culinary Underbelly.

ADVERTISEMENT Thanks for watching! Visit Website

He was unpopular with vegans after describing the movement as 'the Hezbollah-like faction of vegetarianism' and showing himself killing animals onscreen. It is believed he softened his stance in recent years, saying he 'respected' people who ate only vegetables.

Celebrating

A number of vegans took to social media following the news of Bourdain's suicide in order to celebrate his death. Now Francione has made a public post condemning these people.

He wrote: "I have seen a number of absolutely vile posts from people claiming to be vegans celebrating the death by suicide of Anthony Bourdain.

"Bourdain was no different from any other non-vegan. Those vegans who would celebrate the suicide of Bourdain but would not celebrate the suicide of their non-vegan relatives and friends are just misanthropic hypocrites."

Abolitionists

He added: "And some who claim to be Abolitionist are in this group. Sorry to rain on your parade of malice but Principle 6 involves a rejection of violence.. No Abolitionist should celebrate the death of anyone - including the death of someone who ended their life because of depression.

ADVERTISEMENT Thanks for watching! Visit Website

ADVERTISEMENT Thanks for watching! Visit Website

"Those people who are engaged in this conduct should be ashamed of themselves.

"But I guess I have been around long enough to know that many 'animal people' are incapable of shame. #anthonybourdain."

If you are feeling suicidal, or need help and advice, in the US, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255. Those in the UK can call the Samaritans on 116 123. Those in other countries can find information and contacts viaBefrienders Worldwide.