Now Aretha Franklin Offends PETA

For being Queen of Fur...

Monday 18th Feb 2008

...more Beyonce Knowles »

After provoking the wrath of Beyonce’s dad, Aretha Franklin has now attracted criticism from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for wearing fur.

The soul diva attended this year’s Grammy Awards ceremony in a coat made from a number of dead animals, prompting a PETA spokesperson to dub her a ‘court jester.’

In an open letter to Aretha, Dan Matthews writes: "Music lovers may think of you as a 'queen,' but to animal lovers, you are a court jester . . . Why not shed the old-fashioned look that adds pounds to your frame and detracts from your beautiful voice? Please consider donating your furs to the homeless 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."

Destiny’s Dad Mathew Knowles branded Aretha “childish” and “unprofessional” after she attacked daughter Beyonce for introducing duet-partner Tina Turner as “the queen.”

Long live the animals!

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Reader Comments
(6) | View all

Aretha should understand that Tina Turner deserves her credit too, and PETA should realize that homeless people are often jumped for expensive items so they should exchange donated furs for a bunch of Columbia jackets & North Faces to give those to the homeless.
by Craig, Chicago, IL
1 year, 8 months ago
[reply]
PETA and Mathew Knowles need to think of who Aretha F. is really. This woman has been credited by the music world as "the queen" thanks to her record sales and that unbelievable voice. I love Tina, but come on, let's get real. Also, PETA's love for animals comes at the expense of humans and even dogs love humans, but not PETA? God even gives the choice of free will without condemnation, who the heck is PETA to do otherwise?!
by allaboe | Send Message
1 year, 8 months ago
[reply]
sounds like aretha is jelous to me, PATHETIC!
by angie , front royal, va, usa
1 year, 8 months ago
[reply]
How about PETA having some R-E-S-P-E-C-T for fellow human beings. Everyone is NOT an animal lover and neither do they have to be. Get real PETA! Who are you to pass judgement on anyone and who are you to dictate how anyone should live their life. I truly feel sorry for Mariah if she gave up her furs because animal lovers were offended, has she stopped wearing precious jewels because of the horrible deaths and exploitation of her own people in the diamond minds in Africa, we're animals too PETA
by pattig, cleveland,usa
1 year, 8 months ago
[reply]
I don't believe in wearing fur and don't think others should either and I support many many things that PETA does. However, people would respect PETA more if they would act more professional. Calling someone a court jester or attacking Aretha Franklin's weight is rude, cruel and completely irrelevant. And have you seen the website they have dedicated to the Olsen Twins? You can dress the twins up in bloody fur garments. Weird.
by Linda, Houston, TX
1 year, 8 months ago
[reply]