Former Fur-Wearer Stars in Billboard and Poster Campaign: 'Fur? I'd Rather Go Naked'
Taraji P. Henson used to wear fur without giving it a second thought—until she saw a documentary that revealed how animals on fur farms are skinned alive. Now, the celebrated actor is the star of a provocative new Los Angeles billboard and New York flyposting campaign for PETA in which she declares, "Fur? I'd Rather Go Naked." Henson will unveil the campaign, which was shot by top celebrity photographer Don Flood, in person at PETA's New York Fashion Week bash on February 10.
"Before I saw that documentary … I would wear fur," explains Henson in an exclusive PETA interview. "But I saw this documentary, and I was riveted. I cried. … Could you imagine somebody ripping your hair out, while you're still awake, fully conscious? It's ridiculous, for the sake of fashion."
Henson has won critical acclaim for her many roles in films such as Hustle & Flow, Baby Boy,I Can Do Bad All by Myself, The Karate Kid, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, for which she was nominated for an Oscar. Her latest project, Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story, debuts on Lifetime on January 31.
"Education is key," stresses Henson. "When I realized what went into—not just, we're not just even talking about a full-length fur coat, I'm talking about just, like, fur on your gloves or on your jacket … it ripped my heart out. And as humans, we have control. What if someone said, 'Black skin is the new fur'?"
"I don't think a living being should suffer for the sake of fashion, period. End of story," concludes Henson. "You don't have to kill an animal just because you want to be hot and fly. And I really stand by that."
Henson joins a growing list of celebrities—including Charlize Theron, Chad Ochocinco,Nia Long, Eva Mendes, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Roselyn Sanchez—who have starred in PETA's anti-fur ad campaigns.
For more information or to view the ad, please visit PETA.org or click here.
