Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA was recently among a group of celebrities honored at PETA’s 35th anniversary gala that took place late last week.
“It’s an award that does not aim to reflect my art,” RZA said. “It instead reflects my heart.”
Hosted by Angelica Huston and Pamela Anderson, the event, which served “to acknowledge 35 years of cutting-edge campaigns that have brought about monumental change for animals,” also featured a gourmet dinner, silent auction, star-studded awards ceremony, and show stopping performance by Sir Paul McCartney.
RZA, who is a devout vegan, went on to share his reasons for adopting the lifestyle with the attendees.
“I don’t need a dead animal or a dead piece of flesh to go into my body,” he told the audience.
He also credits legendary group Boogie Down Productions’ song “Beef” with helping to open his eyes to the issue and credits them for educating hip-hop as a whole.
“I had animals as friends that was happy to see me in they own animal way,” RZA said. “I’m sure they do not wanna be on my plate. I think hip hop is becoming more conscious about their diets.”
Other attendees and honorees present at the gala included Alicia Silverstone, Bellamy Young, Bill Maher, Jason Briggs, Jillian Michaels, John Salley, Russell Simmons and more.
