Death of ‘world’s biggest’ rabbit on United Airlines flight sparks raft of hilarious Twitter memes
The sad news of Simon the bunny's demise sparked a meme battle on social media
TWITTER has gone into meltdown after the death of Simon the "world's biggest" bunny on a United Airlines flight - sparking an outpouring of jokes and puns.
The scandal-hit airline is facing a fresh PR disaster after the valuable giant rabbit died mysteriously on one of its planes.
The sad news of Simon's demise has sparked an inevitable meme battle on social media.
Author Gareth L Powell tweeted a screenshot from Con Air in which John Malkovich holds up a toy bunny with a gun to its head.
University professor Mike Sell posted a picture of Bugs Bunny's nemesis Daffy Duck dressed up as an air hostess with the caption: "Investigation into United Airlines giant bunny death focusing on flight attendants."
And commentators couldn't fail to draw comparisons with United Airlines earlier scandal - when Dr David Dao was violently dragged from his seat with blood pouring from his mouth.
User Craig Dingle shared his own mock Easter card, showing a bleeding Easter Bunny being dragged along the aisle.
He had actually created the meme before Simon's death.
Social media users also picked up on the name of the airport in Chicago at which Simon was due to land - O'Hare.
Three-foot Simon, destined to be the world’s biggest bunny, died in the cargo section of a Boeing 767 after flying out of Heathrow to a new celebrity owner in the US.
Breeder Annette Edwards said: “Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle.
“Something very strange has happened and I want to know what.
"I’ve sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before."
United’s reputation is at rock bottom after film of a doctor being dragged from a jet went viral.
Edwards, 65, said 3ft Simon, expected to grow to be the world’s biggest rabbit, and was healthy when placed in the cargo hold.
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But Simon, heading to a new celebrity owner in the US, was found dead after the Boeing 767-300 landed at Chicago O’Hare — the airport where a doctor was violently dragged off a UA plane.
Annette, of Stoulton, Worcs, added: “The client who bought Simon is very famous. He’s upset.”
United Airlines is still reeling from the global outrage after security guards were filmed violently dragging Dr Dao, 69, off an overbooked flight at O’Hare two weeks ago.
He refused to give up his seat and suffered a broken nose, concussion and lost two teeth when removed.
An airport source said news of Simon’s demise sparked a panic among UA staff, adding: “After the viral video no-one wanted responsibility for killing what was to be the world’s biggest rabbit.”
The airline now faces a legal claim from the Simon’s new owner and former Playboy model Annette, who once had plastic surgery to look like cartoon character Jessica Rabbit.
Simon, a continental giant rabbit, was 10 months old.
He was on track to out-grow 4ft 4in dad Darius, the world’s biggest rabbit.
Continental giants cost £5,000 a year to keep. Annette’s rabbits are hired out at £500 a time.
United Airlines said: “We were saddened to hear this news. The safety and wellbeing of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team.
"We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter."
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