S. Samuel
R&B singer Kelis recently discussed her issues with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and insisted she does not have a beef with the organization despite controversial past remarks.
Although she does not have a problem with PETA, Kelis still has a strong opinion of the organization.
She insists that she’s not at war with the group, and, if anything, PETA is unfairly attacking her. “I don’t have a beef with PETA. They targeted me more than one time, and finally I just responded and kind of tickled myself in the process. At the end of the day, they’re terrorists, and that’s my issue…I don’t think anybody’s beliefs should be forced on anyone like that. I’m an American; I live here. It’s my right, and that’s my stance on it.” (USA Today)
In an open MySpace posting earlier this year, Kelis defended her choice to publicly wear fur.
“Ok, so you’re gonna love this,” she wrote on a MySpace message. “The other day I got a personalized letter from PETA! Lol so after some thought I’ve decided to write one back. Goes a little something like this: There is no humane way to kill anything, let me start there. It’s unfortunate but it’s part of life. With that being said, I would eat pterodactyl if you found some and you told me it was meaty and delicious. And after doing a very minimal amount of research……. I found out that the founder Ingrid Newkirk is completely batty. I had a feeling but she far exceeded my expectations. I mean certifiably insane! Lol this chicks will is nuts, google it – it’s a riot! …Find a worthwhile cause like the women being maimed in these Middle Eastern countries. Or female circumcision. Or women’s rights here in America, we still get paid less for doing the same jobs as men. Quite honestly if you hate the world so much go live in the forest where no one else has to hear you complain about the perfectly good food chain the good Lord created. Everyone has the right to an opinion, and that’s mine on that!” (Kelis’ MySpace)
PETA later released an open letter response to Kelis.
“I hope that this finds you well,” the letter reads. “I’m writing today because we’ve been inundated with phone calls and e-mails from folks alerting us to photos of you wearing a fur hat and coat while out in London over the weekend. Please know that animals killed for their fur endure immense suffering. Foxes, minks, coyotes, and rabbits–and even dogs and cats–are bludgeoned, strangled, genitally electrocuted, and even skinned alive for their pelts. We hope that you’ll take a moment to watch an undercover exposé of fur farms, hosted by Eva Mendes, at http://www.peta.org/FeatureEvaMendes.asp. If you enjoy the look of fur, renowned designers, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood, couple fashion with compassion and use only faux fur in their lines. We hope you found this information helpful and will join countless celebrities, like Charlize Theron, Khloe Kardashian, Nia Long, Kid Sister, Pink and Michelle Obama, in publicly swearing off fur. Warm regards, PETA.” (Y2K Daily)
Last January, Kanye West responded to criticism for wearing fur via a blog entry.
“I’M BRIEFLY SADDENED BY NEGATIVE COMMENTS, BUT I HAVE TO REMEMBER THOSE PEOPLE ARE SCARED, INCAPABLE OR JUST PLAIN IDIOTS. WE ARE THE F*CKING ROCK STARS BABY. NO COCAINE, JUST LIFE MY N*GGAS!! WE LIVE IT MAN. F*CK THAT, WE LIVE IT!!! WE LIVE IT SO HARD PEOPLE LIVE THROUGH US! WE REPRESENT YOUR INNER SPIRIT!! IMAGINE THE PRESSURE OF BEING A TRUE ICON. VERY FEW HUMAN BEINGS ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO TAKE CONSTANT HATE!!! I CAN HEAR YOU SCREAMING ‘COLOR INSIDE THE LINES!!!’ WELL F*CK YOUR COLORING BOOK, COLOR BY NUMBERS APPROACH TO LIFE. AT THE END OF THE DAY WHO ARE WE HURTING??? OH “THE NEW BLACK???” SINCE BARACK IS PRESIDENT BLACKS DON’T LIKE FUR COATS, RED LEATHER, AND FRIED CHICKEN ANY MORE?! LET THE BALL PLAYERS DANCE AFTER THEY SCORE! IT’S LIFE MY N*GGAS, IT’S LIFE! REMEMBER CLOTHING IS A CHOICE. WE WERE BORN NAKED!!! FRESH IS AN OPINION, LOVE IS OBJECTIVE, TASTE IS SELECTIVE, AND EXPRESSION IS MY FAVORITE ELECTIVE. NO MORE POLITICS OR APOLOGIES!!!” (Kanye West’s Blog)
Check out a past Kelis SOHH interview below:
