An animal rights groups have called out a Britain's Got Talent semi-final act for having 'links to animal abuse' in a circus.
Armenian act The Vardanyan Brothers are set to perform incredible balancing stunts for the judges and viewers as BGT draws to a close.
But Gevorg and Andranik Vardanyan have been named by Animal rights group PETA as members of Sochi Circus – which still uses animals in their acts.
Cowell is a huge animal welfare supporter, so this could have a big effect on whether the Armenians progress into the final.
The circus boasts having bears, tigers and horses performing in the big top and pictures seemingly from inside the circus shows that 'muzzled bears' are forced to ride on the back of horses.
PETA director Elisa Allen stated: "Circus Sochi still cages bears, deprives them of everything that’s natural and important to them, trains them through violence and fear, and forces them to perform painful and demeaning stunts.
"They need to get with the times and drop the animal acts."
A source close to Gevorg and Andranik Vardanyan said: “They would never condone cruelty to animals. They’d hate for anyone to think otherwise.”
A spokesperson for Britain's Got Talent has refuted any claims that the brothers have been involved with animal acts.
The spokesperson said: "Britain’s Got Talent is completely and totally committed to the highest standards of animal welfare.
"The Vardanyan Brothers have assured production staff that they have never taken part in an act that has mistreated animals."
*Britain's Got Talent airs tonight on ITV at 7.30pm with results at 9pm
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