John Rich, of Big & Rich, wore a fox fur coat onstage at the recent Country Music Association Awards.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) received a number of complaints from viewers who were disappointed to see John wearing real fur, so PETA's Michell Cho sent an e-mail to John on Nov. 16, and the e-mail got John's attention. It stated, Please know that animals killed for their fur endure immense suffering and that most fur comes from China, where there are no animal protection laws regulating how animals are treated on fur farms she wrote. A recent undercover investigation of Chinese fur farms revealed that workers swing raccoon dogs and foxes by their hind legs and slam their heads to the ground, injuring them but often leaving them conscious as they are skinned alive.
She asked John to watch undercover footage of a fur-farm investigation that was narrated by clothing designer Stella McCartney (Paul's daughter).
While John's managers wanted to respond to PETA's e-mail, John chose to respond personally on Tuesday (11/20), writing, I would like you to please forward my apologies to any of your members that are fans of Big and Rich that took offense to me wearing a fur coat on the CMA awards. Trust me, it was never my intent to upset anyone. Also, if any of the world class designers that you mentioned in your previous e-mail would like to send me full length faux fur coats, I would be happy to wear them, and when asked by the press or fans, tell them it is a faux fur. I do not agree with many of your organization's views or tactics, but I do respect your passion for animal rights, as I am an animal lover as well. I appreciate your willingness to address me on this subject.