Did SeaWorld commit corporate espionage?

Some are calling it corporate espionage. A SeaWorld Entertainment employee reportedly posed for years as an animal rights activist for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

PETA says that a California man going by the name of Thomas Jones had been participating in the organization’s activities to gather information for the animal theme park and to incite illegal activity among SeaWorld protesters.  

Jones was even arrested at the 2014 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., for trying to stop a SeaWorld float. According to the website SeaWorldofHurt.com, Jones was released without charges, and his name never appeared on arrest sheets regarding that incident.

PETA’s investigation of “Thomas Jones” has revealed that he is actually Paul T. McComb, a human resources employee at SeaWorld San Diego.

SeaWorld itself alleges that PETA members have infiltrated its company in the past and has even used this job posting to prove the group’s recruiting tactics.

As the two sides continue to fight for the favor of public opinion, it is the marine mammals that remain in the middle.