In recent weeks we’ve seen promo materials of celebs like Kellan Lutz and Dave Navarro lending their star-power to the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and today we learn that the formerly crazy Joaquin Phoenix is the latest celeb to join the cause. It would seem that Phoenix has decided to stop running around like a homeless-looking crazy person so that he can speak out against the use of exotic animal skin in the manufacture of high end clothing and accessories:
Millions of reptiles are slaughtered each year and turned into shoes, handbags, belts, and other accessories. These helpless animals are viewed as a commodity by those who poach and hunt them, and these creatures suffer as their skin is pulled off their bodies while they are still alive. Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe- and Grammy-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix refuses to support an industry based on such cruelty and takes a behind-the-scenes look at the exotic-skins trade in his exclusive video for PETA. Compassionate companies, such as Nike, H&M, and Overstock.com, have agreed not to sell exotic-skins. With tons of fashionable and cruelty-free alternatives there is no reason for animals to suffer for a wardrobe. Help Joaquin and PETA send a powerful message not only to the cruel exotic-skins industry but also to designers, retailers, and others who directly profit from the suffering caused by this barbaric business. Take the pledge now to shed exotic-skins from your wardrobe!
Thank the GODS Joaquin decided to stop wasting his life with his so-called “rap career” and is back to being relatively normal … well, at least, I hope he’s normal. Considering how much credibility he lost last year, I’m not sure he’s the best person to speak out on behalf of exotic animals but … I guess he’s better than nothing. After the jump, check out video (that may be upsetting for some viewers) of Joaquin Phoenix talking about the horrors of using exotic animal skins to make clothing and accessories …
He does look much better without the nasty beard … and I’m glad that he sounds coherent. Props to him for lending his support for this worthy cause … here’s hoping his craziness is really gone for good. If YOU would like to join Joaquin & PETA and pledge to STOP using exotic animal skins in your wardrobe you can do so HERE.
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I love Joaquin Phoenix, no matter how crazy, no matter how ‘normal’ He’s absolutely talented and I wish we could see more of that in movies again.
Thank you Trent for giving the heads up on the videos possibility of being upsetting. I won’t be watching this.
The images from Kellan’s video are still etched in my mind. What was the purpose of showing baby seals getting clubbed to death for a PSA about dog adoption? That kind of shit is why I hate PETA.
Well Joaquin has been a spokesperson for PETA for many many years now, and if I’m not mistaken, his brother was as well.
I agree it’s good to see him. I really hope he’ll reconsider his retirement because he is an amazing actor!
A few days ago, I watched a documentary narrated by Joaquin, it’s called “Earthlings”, also about animal cruelty in all its shapes and forms. Although I’m known to cry for a tv show (like when they killed George in Grey’s) or a good movie, I had yet to cry watching a documentary. And now it’s done. I’m even seriously considering going veggie.
We need to see those strong images, because we MUST know what’s going on. It’s too easy to just turn our heads and keep on pretending everything’s ok.
And yes, I adore Joaquin.
2I cannpt believe how great he looks or shall I say how human he looks!! This dude has to be the strangest man in Hollywood? I just don’t get him!! I wonder if he is done rapping and maybe returning to acting in movies
“Thank the GODS” Battlestar reference? :P