Open Letter to Beyoncé Knowles: Please Reject Fur
Dear Beyoncé Knowles:
People worldwide heard and watched your appearance at President Obama’s second inauguration ceremony.
Friends of Animals’ members and supporters were among the millions who saw, or will see images of, you in a Christian Dior mink coat.
What does it mean when one of the most popular musicians in the world endorses the fur trade in such a dramatic way? The message is that fur-bearing animals who are shot, clubbed, electrocuted, caught in traps, or have their necks broken on breeding farms don’t matter. Their skins are viewed as belonging to humans. It’s a destructive and irresponsible message to many who deeply admire you.
Opulent, elegant, but most of all conscientious alternatives to fur abound, and to commit to ethical fashion statements would educate your fans in a meaningful way. You have the power to turn your message around.
We at Friends of Animals, an animal-advocacy organization founded in 1957, ask you to publicly reject fur. We agree that fur is beautiful—on the bodies of those who were born in it.
Edita Birnkrant
NY Director
Friends of Animals
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2 Comments
On January 25, 2013, Jeffrey Jump wrote:
Beyoncé is certainly not alone in her ignorance as evidenced at President Obama’s inauguration, as many others were also adorned in fur. It would be great if the President could also be aboard with rights for all creatures as he is for the rest of us.
On February 10, 2013, Elaine Grant wrote:
Shame on you Beyonce,
you have it all, so why aren’t you an advocate for animal rights?