PETA Takes On Aretha Franklin

By Access HollywoodFebruary 20, 2008, 1:14 pm PST

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has locked horns with a new celebrity fur-wearer, the Queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, who they have named the Biggest Loser in an online poll of 2008's Worst-Dressed Celebrities.

The organization's vice president, Dan Matthews, lashed out at the legendary songstress after she was spotted in a fur coat at the Grammys almost two weeks ago.

[ Aretha Franklin: Looking For Grammy Respect - Watch the Video ]

"Music lovers may think of you as a 'queen,' but to animal lovers, you are a court jester," Matthews wrote in his letter to the star. "I'm sorry, Aretha, but your furs make you look like a clown."

Matthews suggested Franklin should part with her animal-skin coats and give them to the needy.

[ Grammys Red Carpet 2008 - View the Gallery ]

"Why not shed the old-fashioned look that adds pounds to your frame and detracts from your beautiful voice? Won't you donate your furs to the poor as 'queen of compassion,' Mariah Carey, did? You'll get a tax credit for the donation, and we at PETA will all sing your praises," he said.

But PETA didn't stop there. On their blog, official PETA blogger, "Jack" referred to Franklin as looking like "a walrus in a cat" by wearing a white fur to the event.

[ All Access: Aretha Franklin ]

However, Franklin wasn't the only star PETA took aim at. Shock-rocker Marilyn Manson and his penchant for leather landed him on the list and "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria-Parker was told she needs "a quickie divorce from her stylist" for her fur wearing. In 2007, Eva was dubbed PETA's worst-dressed celeb.

Lindsay Lohan also fared poorly, being called a real-life "mean girl" for donning fur. PETA even went so far as to say she looks "skanky" on their Web site.

[ 2008 Grammy After Parties - View the Gallery ]

Meanwhile, Brit model Kate Moss was accused of going from "Supermodel to super tramp" for wearing a fur coat, while Aussie chanteuse Kylie Minogue was called "cold-blooded" for having a python purse.

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comments

comments 1-10 of 1655  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest
  • R K
    PETA does a lot of good. In any large organizations, there will always be the few bad apples, like the ones who dumped the bodies of the dogs or cats. But PETA does make a huge difference in exposing unethical care of laboratory animals. While ALF often makes poor decisions, they have also exposed some very poorly managed animal care facilities.
    report abuseposted April 9, 2008, 12:55 am PDT
  • R K
    PETA does a lot of good. In any large organizations, there will always be the few bad apples, like the ones who dumped the bodies of the dogs or cats. But PETA does make a huge difference in exposing unethical care of laboratory animals. While ALF often makes poor decisions, they have also exposed some very poorly managed animal care facilities.
    report abuseposted April 9, 2008, 12:55 am PDT
  • Amber
    Good for PETA! Sure, Aretha isnt the only rich, selfish woman wearing fur, but its a good start. Its clearly obvious that the majority of meat eaters cannot maintain a mature conversation without getting on the defensive. People keep talking about rights. Is it really a RIGHT to wear the skin of another living being? Absolutely not!
    report abuseposted March 12, 2008, 6:54 am PDT
  • Tifosi
    people eating tasty animals
    report abuseposted February 26, 2008, 6:44 am PST
  • Xavier L
    Okay. And the same people at PETA are the EXACT same people who are wearing leather, like belts, watch bands, shoes, and you bet your A** some of those PETA women are sportin' leather handbags. All of which comes from animals. Yes - Aretha, makes some very bad wardobe choices, but PETA got much nerve. They need to check their own backyard before loiterin' around someone ele&
    report abuseposted February 23, 2008, 5:33 pm PST
  • Eri M
    As a vegetarian, I cannot stand fur. It is useless cruelty for the sake of fashion. Wear Dior, wear Versace, wear D&G, but please don't wear fur. I cannot stand PETA. They give all vegetarians a bad name. Most of us just want to see the lives of animals protected from people who seem them as a commodity, rather than a life endangered by greed.
    report abuseposted February 22, 2008, 8:35 pm PST
  • ladydaye
    PETA people make me wanna eat a Cheeseburger!
    report abuseposted February 22, 2008, 6:48 pm PST
  • Sara
    for all of you that say ANY killing of an animal is wrong, and also for those of you telling the ones that believe PETA to be a crock to do research, lookup PETA employees being charged with animal cruelty for killing animals after promising that they would find them homes, and then dumping the dead animals in garbage cans.
    report abuseposted February 22, 2008, 9:24 am PST
  • mariah l
    hey u r my biggest fan thanks
    report abuseposted February 22, 2008, 6:00 am PST
  • G b
    hey whatever, veal is calf... baby cow...lamb IS in baby form... old lamb is called mutton
    report abuseposted February 22, 2008, 12:44 am PST
comments 1-10 of 1655  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

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