ORLANDO, Fla. — The U.S. Justice Department won't be filing any charges against SeaWorld for comments former executives made about the documentary Blackfish, the company said Wednesday.
- DOJ won't file charges against SeaWorld over executives' comments
- Feds were looking into whether executives misled investors
- 2013 film criticized the treatment of orcas at SeaWorld's parks
In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, SeaWorld said the federal agency had informed it that it "does not intend to take any action against the Company or any individuals in connection with the investigation."
The DOJ had been conducting an investigation into whether executives misled investors with comments about the 2013 film's impact.
"The Company considers the DOJ matter concluded," SeaWorld said in a SEC filing.
In September, SeaWorld agreed to settle with the Securities and Exchange Commission over fraud charges related to Blackfish.
The film criticized the treatment of orcas at SeaWorld's parks. And in the years that followed, the company faced declining attendance and revenue.
However, SeaWorld has been experiencing a turnaround in 2018, reporting gains in attendance and revenue. The company, which is planning to open new attractions every year, is expected to debut a Sesame Street themed land at SeaWorld Orlando in 2019 as well as a thrill slide at Aquatica Orlando and a multi-launch coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.