Bruce Parry’s Bold Return to BBC
Television explorer Bruce Parry is poised to make a striking comeback to the BBC, marking his first television project in a decade. His new series, The Tribe with Bruce Parry, will air on BBC Two this Sunday night, offering viewers a deep dive into the diverse tribes and communities around the globe. Known for his captivating storytelling, Parry’s programs often challenge perceptions with their depiction of unconventional rituals that may seem bizarre to many.
This latest series is set to maintain that shocking reputation, featuring a particularly controversial scene in which Bruce suffocates a goat—a moment that is sure to spark discussions among audiences. The Sun has compiled some of Bruce’s most memorable and shocking experiences throughout his television career.
Goat Suffocation
In a harrowing scene from the new series, Bruce finds himself in a challenging situation when he meets the indigenous Mucubal tribe in Angola. As a gesture of hospitality, one of the tribe’s leaders presents him with a goat, prompting Bruce to ask what he should do with it. The answer he receives leaves him visibly shocked: he must kill the goat on the spot.
In a voiceover, Bruce explains the significance of animals to the tribe—serving as sustenance, currency, and symbols of wealth. Refusing the gift would be considered highly disrespectful. Despite his apprehension, Bruce inquires how to proceed with the killing, and the tribe members demonstrate a method involving suffocation. As they hold the struggling goat down, Bruce places his hands over its mouth and nostrils, attempting to carry out the procedure.
The scene escalates as the goat thrashes, and Bruce admits, “This is the most gruesome thing I have ever done.” He repeatedly exclaims, “Oh my God,” reflecting his inner turmoil as he is thrust into the reality of the situation. After the goat dies, he takes a moment to process the experience, stating, “It’s a very odd feeling, feeling the life force of an animal disappear in your own hands… not a feeling I’d necessarily want to have again.”
Penis Inversion Ritual
While Bruce typically embraces various cultural rituals, there was one instance in the upcoming series where he found himself unable to continue. In an interview with Metro, he recounted nearly fainting during a penis inversion ritual in New Guinea, where a friend attempted to push his entire penis back into his body. He recalled, “The first time I said no in my whole TV career was when my dear friend in New Guinea tried to push my penis back inside my body, and he got halfway. But then I nearly fainted and said, ‘No more.’”
Giving Up Sex
Before filming the Tribe series in 2005, Bruce led a lifestyle filled with parties in Ibiza, heavily influenced by alcohol, drugs, and casual sex. However, he soon recognized his growing addiction to sex and how it was negatively impacting his relationships with women. In an interview with RadioTimes, he shared, “I’d moved to Ibiza in 2003 and was living a very hedonistic lifestyle. I realized that sex had been my drive all my life. The more female attention I was getting, the harder it was to find a meaningful relationship.”
Bruce decided to take a step back after connecting with the Kogi people in Colombia, who encouraged him to relinquish sex, drugs, and alcohol. He reflected, “Giving sex up was a very complex and difficult thing. I learned during the process that my sexual drives were coming from a needy place rather than a wholesome place.” This journey spanned several years, during which he grappled with the challenges of abstinence.
Taking Psychedelics
Bruce has been candid about his experiences with psychedelics, acknowledging the potential benefits of certain “jungle potions.” In a discussion with RadioTimes, he expressed hope for a future where society approaches hallucinogens with less fear. “I’ve found them to be very beneficial in my understanding of the world and my relationship with nature,” he stated. “I look forward to a time when we can view these substances through a less fearful lens.”
He elaborated on his experiences with ayahuasca, describing them as some of the most healing and enlightening moments of his life, albeit challenging. “They’ve never been pleasant, but afterward, there’s this extraordinary, beautiful sensation of being humbled.”
Future Plans
Regarding his future and the prospect of having children, Bruce has shared that he is not currently planning for parenthood. He envisions raising a child within a community setting. He remarked, “Not until I’m in a community. It really does take a community to raise a child.” His desire is to explore living in an egalitarian society where people recognize themselves as part of nature rather than above it. “The journey may be difficult, but the other side is incredibly beautiful, and I’m willing to undertake it,” he concluded.
