American Idol contestant Will Moseley criticized for video showing dogs attacking wild hogs
American Idol contestant Will Moseley is facing backlash after fans discovered an old Instagram post showing a feral hog hunt. While hunting invasive hogs is legal in parts of the U.S., some viewers were outraged by a photo and accompanying video that show a pack of hunting dogs biting and surrounding a hog until it died.
The post, published in early 2022 and captioned “Those good ol’ January Swims,” includes a posed photo of Moseley alongside his father, Todd Moseley, and his girlfriend, Ryleigh Colter, with a dead hog. The next item in the post is a clip—without audio in the shared version—that depicts multiple dogs attacking the animal. That footage has been the focal point of the controversy, prompting strong reactions from parts of Moseley’s fanbase.
Angry American Idol fans reacted in comments
Once the post resurfaced, comments from upset viewers poured in. Many left blunt criticisms: “Do you enjoy killing helpless animals?” one asked. Another comment attacked Moseley directly: “You’re just as big as that wild boar! I wish some dogs would mistake you for one and let you have it.” Other fans expressed shock and disappointment: “This is horrifying. I adore dogs AND pigs!” and “I hope u don’t win—this is disgusting.” Several former supporters said they no longer felt comfortable backing the singer: “Disgusting abuse of animals. I was a fan… for about 30 minutes until I saw this,” wrote one. Another added, “This is the most horrific thing I’ve ever seen. Saw you on American Idol tonight but not sure I can be a fan of this.”
Supporters defend Moseley and the hog hunts
Not everyone condemned the post. Some fans and followers defended the actions as part of responsible wildlife control. One commenter wrote that, having grown up around wild hogs, they see Moseley’s actions as necessary: wild hogs can cause substantial damage to crops, property and ecosystems, they argued, and removing them is an important step in protecting land and livelihoods. Other supporters emphasized that the hunts targeted an invasive species often associated with significant economic and environmental harm.
The debate highlights differing views about hunting methods. Critics asked why hunters do not use firearms to dispatch hogs quickly, to avoid prolonged suffering, while defenders pointed to longstanding hunting practices—especially in rural areas—where dogs are sometimes used. Comparisons were also drawn to historical controversies over hunting with hounds, such as fox hunting in the United Kingdom, which faced intense public opposition and eventual legal restrictions due to animal welfare concerns.
Media outlets that reviewed the situation noted the legal context in Moseley’s home state. A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has said that hunting feral hogs is permitted on private lands and on designated public lands in Georgia, and that dogs may be used where allowed. The department’s guidance clarifies that feral hogs are considered an invasive species in many areas, and that management actions are sometimes authorized to limit their spread and the damage they cause.
Beyond the controversy, Will Moseley remains a popular contestant on American Idol. He advanced to the Top 8 on the April 29 episode and has earned praise for his relaxed stage presence and country-leaning performances. Many viewers have compared his soulful, raspy vocal style to established country artists such as Chris Stapleton, and his progress in the competition continues to attract attention from both critics and fans.
The incident underscores how offstage behavior and social media posts can affect public perception of artists. As the conversation around the hunting video continues, Moseley’s supporters and detractors alike are weighing the legal, ethical and cultural dimensions of hunting feral hogs, and whether those practices should influence viewers’ support for a performer on a national stage.