Equestrian Scandal: Charlotte Dujardin Withdraws from Paris Games Amid Controversy

Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympian, Charlotte Dujardin, has withdrawn from the Paris Games after being provisionally suspended for allegedly whipping a horse. The International Equestrian Federation is investigating, and PETA has renewed calls to ban equestrian events from the Olympics. Dujardin insists the incident was uncharacteristic.

Charlotte Dujardin, Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympian, has pulled out of the Paris Games following a provisional suspension over allegations of horse abuse. A video aired on Good Morning Britain shows Dujardin whipping a horse multiple times, prompting an investigation by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The video, received by FEI on Monday from an undisclosed complainant, depicts Dujardin walking beside a horse ridden by another individual and whipping its legs. Dujardin has acknowledged the footage, stating it was an error of judgement that does not reflect her training methods.

Equine abuse came under scrutiny during the Tokyo Olympics when a German coach struck a horse. PETA has reiterated its demand for equestrian events to be removed from the Olympics. Dujardin, who has earned six medals across three Olympic Games, now faces an uncertain future in the sport.

(With inputs from agencies.)