By FilmInk Staff
After watching footage of sheep being abused in Australian shearing sheds, actor, Joaquin Phoenix, has pledged never again to wear wool…not even socks. In a new PETA US ad, Phoenix wears (though, to be totally honest, it looks a bit like his face has been photoshopped into an existing image…the pic looks a little bit odd, even though a photo shoot obviously took place) a Brave GentleMan vegan wool suit alongside a little herd of artfully rescued sheep and proclaims, “Cruelty Doesn’t Suit Me. Please Leave Wool out of Your Wardrobe.”
PETA dropped the ad yesterday on a massive billboard in Los Angeles, obviously hoping to persuade the US’ army of Christmas shoppers not to buy woollen jumpers, mittens, and scarves for each other as gifts. “When PETA sent me that video of this undercover investigation of what happened… that was really eye-opening,” Phoenix says in an exclusive interview with PETA US. “After seeing this footage, it’s pretty undeniable that it’s a trade that I certainly don’t feel comfortable being involved in anymore. There are alternatives that they could use that are cruelty-free but still stylish.”
The PETA ad comes just days after a landmark case for Australian courts in which a shearer pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals. The four counts of the charge against the Lucindale man followed the release of a PETA US exposé which documented that some Australian wool industry workers have mistreated their sheep. Five other shearers have also been charged and are scheduled to face court next year.
For more Joaquin Phoenix and his non-woollen woollen suit, head to PETA.
Love this ad. People with allergies to wool have been using cotton, cotton flannel, polyester fleece, Tencel, synthetic shearling, and other animal-friendly fibers for years. Vegan wool is easy to find, and it will keep you warm and cozy without contributing to cruelty.
Good for Joaquin. I was sickened when I learned that sheep are routinely sliced open during shearing, and investigations have shown that they are often shoved, kicked, punched, and worse.
I love this ad, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s beyond me how anyone can feel comfortable wearing wool — or leather, fur, angora and exotic skins — knowing how animals are abused.
I say “yes” to Joaquin in that fine looking suit. the ad is cool and wool is cruel. Way to go Joaquin.