People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has included first lady Michelle Obama, without her permission, according to the White House, in their new ad campaign, “Fur-Free and Fabulous.”
The campaign prominently features Obama, alongside Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey and Carrie Underwood, all whom have previously denounced wearing fur, utlizing her official White House photo. The ads are appearing in Washington’s Metro stations, magazines and on PETA’s Web site.
Semonti Stephens, a spokeswoman for the first lady’s office, told USA Today “We did not consent to this,” declining further comment.
PETA’s president, Ingrid Newkirk, admitted that her organization would not have sought Obama’s consent for inclusion in the ad because it was aware that she cannot make such an endorsement. The image was used based solely on confirmation from the White House that Obama is not a fur wearer.
“The fact is that Michelle Obama has issued a statement indicating that she doesn’t wear fur, and the world should know that in PETA’s eyes, that makes her pretty fabulous,” Newkirk said in a press statement.
PETA stands behind its decision to use the image to support efforts to honor “Fabulous and Fur-Free” women and makes it clear that it has not solicited the White House for any funding or support of the campaign. –gerald radford
