It was little over a year ago when Laga Gaga appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show, touting her love of animals and promising to never wear fur. Apparently, she changed her mind.
Just recently, Laga Gaga was seen wearing a fur coat (ironically while carrying a small furry dog) in NYC.
Now she’s feeling the heat of her fashion faux-pas.
Fans and animal-lovers all over the world are angry at fur-wearing Gaga and some are even accussing her of being a “turncoat” for going back on her promise to Ellen.
To all the “naysayers”, Gaga released the following statement.
“To the fans. I want you to know that I care deeply about your feelings and views, and I will always support your philosophies about life. I do not however support violent, abusive, and childish campaigns for any cause. Particularly one that I respect. Animal Rights.
I am choosing not to comment on whether or not the furs I purchase are faux fur-pile or real because I would think it hypercritical (hypocritical) not to acknowledge the python, ostrich, cow hide, leather, lamb, alligator, ‘kermit’ and not to mention meat, that I have already worn.
This should already put me in a category as one who appreciates and adores the beauty of animals in fashion, but am not a strict vegan. I have truly always stayed away from skinned fur, especially I have never been able to afford a nice one, but this does not mean my morals are rigid and that I won’t bend at the sight of an absolute art piece of a coat.
I have no chains about this. You see a carcass, I see a museum piece de resistance. But I am truly sorry to fans who are upset by this, it’s a fair and applaudable feeling about the health and safety of animals. I respect your views, please respect mine.”
The problem with her statement is there is a 3rd party.
Fans have their views, she has her’s, but what about the views of fur-bearing animals? Surely, they don’t want her wearing their skins!
And agreed, being against fur but wearing leather and other skins can be perceived as “hypocritical”, but using that logic, isn’t it also hypocritical to love and carry a little furry dog, but wear the skins of another animal? Why not just kill and wear her own dog? After all, there is an active global dog and cat fur trade.
Making a commitment to not wearing fur is easy. While you might not be able to give up leather or meat, there is no excuse for wearing fur too.
Lastly, cruelty is never art.
UPDATE: Russell Simmons sends a “love letter” to Gaga about wearing fur.