Morrissey Cancels TV Performance, Citing ‘Animal Serial Killers’

Martin Bernetti/Agence France-Presse â€" Getty Images Morrissey performing in Chile.

Morrissey has canceled an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Tuesday because he considers the other guests, stars of the reality series “Duck Dynasty,” to be “animal serial killers.” The singer and former leader of the Smiths is a well-known animal-rights activist and vegetarian. His views on killing ducks for sport are pretty far from the bushy-bearded duck-hunting gang on “Duck Dynasty,” who manufacture calls and other gear for hunters.

Morrissey â€" his full name is Steven Patrick orrissey but like many pop star he goes by a mononym â€" said in a statement posted on the fan site True to You that he would play the show if the cast of “Duck Dynasty” were removed.

“As far as my reputation is concerned, I can’t take the risk of being on a show alongside people who, in effect, amount to animal serial killers,” Morrissey said. “If Jimmy cannot dump Duck Dynasty then we must step away.”

Billboard reported that Mr. Kimmel has replaced Morrissey with the Denver band Churchill, who apparently are not squeamish about the taste of duck.

The performance was to have been Morrissey’s first since last month, when he canceled several concerts after being diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer. He is now scheduled to resume touring on Wednesday in San Diego before retur! ning to Los Angeles for a show at the Staples Center.

Morrissey asked the Staples Center to serve only vegetarian dishes at its food stands and restaurants during his show, but the arena declined, saying they will instead add some vegetarian options to the menus of its restaurants. No word on whether duck will be served.