Rihanna Snakeskin Boots Slammed by PETA (PHOTO)
Rihanna was photographed wearing snakeskin thigh high boots during a night in London on Friday and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization (PETA) immediately criticized the singer for sending the wrong message to fans.
The 24-year-old appeared to be in good spirits and oozed confidence as she proudly flaunted her eye-catching boots which she matched with a burgundy leather mini-skirt and black baggy sweatshirt. However, a PETA activist compared Rihanna to Lady Gaga, and dismissed the singer as being nothing more than a "freak" due to her decision to wear animal skin.
"Rihanna may not have a clue that snakes killed for boots are often nailed to a tree and skinned alive. Of course, they can't go on Oprah to cry about it," a PETA spokesman said in a public statement.
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"Wearing reptile skin is creepy and callous, and it makes her look even more out of touch. She and Lady Gaga seem so desperate to be freaks instead of recognized for their talents that you have to wonder if they realize that they are being laughed at," the statement added.
This is not the first time that the "Where Have You Been" singer has been criticized over her fashion choices.
In September, Rihanna wore ostrich feathers during a public appearance, which sparked public outrage from fans as well as PETA, who blasted her as a thief.
"[She] is flaunting stolen property, in this case feathers possibly plucked right off their rightful owners' backs. She has shown little regard for foxes, cows and reptiles, now she's adding birds to the list of species exploited for her dubious looks," Smiley said in a statement.
"Feathers are often ripped off chickens, geese, ostriches and emus in live plucking. This can result in gaping wounds that are sewn up with a needle and thread without anesthetic," she went on.
Smiley even likened the pain and suffering endured by the animals to Rihanna's infamous 2009 domestic abuse incident with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.
"We keep hoping that Rihanna, a victim of violence herself, will learn to open her heart and start empathizing with the suffering of others. That includes the animals who are beaten, gassed, electrocuted and poisoned to be turned into fashion accessories," she said.
