West Ham's Kurt Zouma Apologizes After Leaked Video Shows Him Kicking a Pet Cat

West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma issued an apology Tuesday after a video was posted showing him kicking and slapping his pet cat.

Ben Leo and Andy Robinson of The Sun published the footage, which was originally posted on Snapchat by Zouma's brother. Jacob Whitehead of The Athletic provided the Premier League player's statement:

"I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret. I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video."

"I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy. They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again."

The Hammers released a statement saying they would handle the matter internally.

"West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated," the club said. "We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals."

A spokesperson for England's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also gave a statement to The Athletic.

"This is a very upsetting video. It's never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise," the spokesperson said. "We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare."

London's Metropolitan Police told The Sun it doesn't plan to investigate the video.

Zouma signed with West Ham in August after spending the previous seven years with Chelsea, a tenure that included loan stints with Saint-Etienne, Stoke City and Everton. He started his senior club career with Saint-Etienne in 2011. He's also made 11 appearances for France's national team.

The 27-year-old center back has played 14 matches across all competitions for the Irons this season, including Saturday's FA Cup win over the Kidderminster Harriers.