You will be surprised by the musician’s reaction to the unexpected public denunciation.
The long-awaited premiere of Piece by PiecePharrell Williams’ Lego-themed animated biopic, was disrupted at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) when a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) activist entered the event to start a protest. He expressed his rejection of the singer’s use of exotic skins and leathers in his role as creative director of Louis Vuitton.
The incident occurred during the Q&A session after the screening. The conversation with the audience was interrupted by shouts and a sign reading: “Pharrell: Stop supporting the killing of animals for fashion.”
Animal cruelty in the fur industry was reported
Through strong statements, The animal cruelty behind fur production was denounced with criesThe stark detail that ostriches die “hanging upside down, electrocuted and with their necks cut” was part of the speech.
Pharrell, instead of confronting him, kept his cool and replied, “You’re right, God bless you.” The artist even encouraged the audience to applaud him before he was escorted out of the theatre by security.
Pharrell then took the opportunity to address the audience, explaining that changes in the fashion industry do not happen immediately. In fact, He assured that he is working to promote a transformation.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Pharrell Williams tells TIFF of industry transformation
The artist expressed that “Sometimes when you have plans to change things, you need to be in a position of power and influence to help move things forward.” He added that he would have offered answers if he had been asked questions instead of repeating his slogans.
PETA, for its part, publicized the incident through its social networks. The video featured a banner with a message demanding Pharrell and Louis Vuitton abandon the use of exotic skins and leathers, inviting them to opt for synthetic and vegan alternatives.
We CRASHED @Pharrell‘s @pbpthemovie premiere at @TIFF_NET to remind the @LouisVuitton men’s creative director that animals suffer for fur & wildlife skins.
Do the right thing and switch to faux & vegan alternatives NOW! pic.twitter.com/Uf5mb1nly9
— PETA (@peta) September 10, 2024
In a statement, PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman reiterated the organization’s call.
We’d be happy to stop interrupting Pharrell’s appearances, but Despite many promises, it has not yet abandoned exotic skins and leathers. You can decide in an instant to use your power for good and stop being complicit in cruelty.
The event, which was meant to be a celebration for Pharrell for the release of his film, was overshadowed by criticism about their role in the fashion industry, putting the debate on the ethics of using animal products back into the spotlight.
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