Aretha Franklin may have got some respect from the Daily Mantra after we saw her perform last week (see story), but she's not getting any props from Peta. It seems the "Empress of All Music," as she's referring to herself post Beyoncégate, upset the animal rights activist group after she was photographed wearing a white, full-length fur coat to the Grammys.
In an open letter to Franklin, PETA's VP Dan Mathews says, "Music lovers may think of you as a 'queen,' but to animal lovers, you are a court jester. I'm sorry, Aretha, but your furs make you look like a clown. Why not shed the old-fashioned look that adds pounds to your frame and detracts from your beautiful voice? Won't you donate your furs to the poor as "queen of compassion," Mariah Carey, did? You'll get a tax credit for the donation, and we at PETA will all sing your praises."
Indeed today may be a good one for Ms. Franklin to donate her offending coats since the Los Angeles Mission is holding its annual March For Human Dignity but a stones throw from The Nokia Theatre, where Franklin performed last week. The annual event aims to spread awareness about what the Los Angeles Mission is doing to help the homeless of Skid Row. During the event, volunteers are on hand to collect much needed clothing. As well as coats to keep the homeless warm, the Mission distributes around 49,000 pairs of new underwear to the homeless each year. Perhaps Franklin has some diva-size duds she can drop off with her furs.
