SeaWorld suspends worker animal-rights group accuses of posing as activist to incite violence

SeaWorld says it's suspended an employee accused by an animal-rights group of posing for years as an activist and trying to incite violence among peaceful protesters.

CEO Joel Manby said in a statement Wednesday that SeaWorld Entertainment has hired an outside investigator to investigate claims made this week by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

PETA accused SeaWorld of using an employee to infiltrate its organization. Manby called the allegations "very concerning."

PETA says a human-resources worker at SeaWorld San Diego named Paul McComb incited protesters and posted incendiary comments on social media while masquerading as an animal-rights activist.

Efforts to find a phone listing for McComb weren't successful Thursday.

SeaWorld has been under fire since the 2013 documentary "Blackfish" suggested the treatment of captive orcas provokes violent behavior.