‘MDLNY’ Star Fredrik Eklund Faces Backlash After Gushing About Dolphin Experience

Fredrik Eklund is currently in Australia, as he spoke to real estate agents in Australia last week. Of course, Million Dollar Listing: New York doesn’t just air in America — it has become a worldwide phenomenon and everyone wants to hear what Fredrik’s secret sales tricks are. Ever since he published his book, The Sell, people have been asking and inquiring about him doing speaking engagements all around the world. And when Fredrik is in another country, he will take the time to explore. This week, Eklund decided to go swimming with a dolphin in captivity and sadly, people were not pleased.

According to a new Instagram post, Fredrik Eklund revealed that it had been a childhood dream to swim with dolphins. Eklund posted a picture of himself with the dolphin and he gushed about how amazing it had been to swim with the dolphin in the basin where it lives. And while some of his followers called Fredrik lucky, others were very critical of his decision to pay for this experience.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFv5zf4NJHz/?taken-by=fredrikeklundny

“Dear Evie The Dolphin, Playing with you today was one the most spiritual experiences ever. When I first put my hand on your awesome fins and you gave me all those kisses, I connected with all animals in the world — instantly. I love how you were singing and laughing with me (or at me, maybe?) nonstop. Your little eyes were so cheeky and full of life — I could tell you’re only a baby. I’m sorry I cried. I was just so excited and emotional in a good way: it’s been my dream since I was a little boy to swim with someone just like you, to feel this free, just you and me alone…” Fredrik Eklund reveals in his Instagram post.

Ever since Blackfish was released, there have been many outspoken people about animals in captivity. Of course, Blackfish is a documentary about the treatment of orcas at SeaWorld stadiums around the world. Former trainers spoke out about how the organization treated the animals, which resulted in several deaths. And the movie did bring attention to all animals in captivity, including crocodiles, dolphins, and seals. But it sounds like Fredrik Eklund may not have watched the movie, as fans were quick to tell him about animal cruelty, especially when it comes to captivity. But Eklund did reveal that these dolphins were rescued from shark nets along the coast of Australia.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFRYl-ftJGW/?taken-by=fredrikeklundny

“For a while I forgot I’m human. And I was so happy to hear that many of your family members have been rescued from shark nets out in the ocean to be here with you. I’ll be telling Mini and Fritzy all about it. And bring Derek back. My life is now complete,” Fredrik Eklund revealed in his post, adding, “Actually, it won’t be complete until I see our future children swim with you one day. I hope you’ll remember me then. Because I WILL come back to beautiful Australia and see you – and my buddies the koalas and kangaroos – again.”

It sounds like Eklund has big plans of returning one day with his husband, Derek Kaplan, and their future children. On Million Dollar Listing: New York, Fredrik, and Derek decided to pursue another round of pregnancy with their surrogate. They decided to also try out a boy, since they had only pursued a girl before so Fredrik could get his daughter, Milla. Sadly, the couple announced that they had suffered a miscarriage last year and it was truly devastating for Fredrik.

But it sounds like he’s getting back to being himself and he’s excited about what the future may hold. And as it stands right now, it sounds like the future may hold a trip to Australia – but hopefully, without a swim with a dolphin if you ask his fans.

What do you think of Fredrik Eklund facing backlash after his photo?

[Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Gilt Groupe]