Miss Universe urged to shun fur

TOKYO: Animal rights activists launched a campaign to pressure Miss Universe, Japan’s Riyo Mori, to stop wearing fur, accusing her of promoting cruelty.

Mori, 20, a ballerina by training, wore a full-length fur coat at the pageant in Mexico City where she was crowned this year, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said. It is encouraging its supporters to e-mail Mori after her office refused to respond to inquiries, the group said.

“As Miss Universe, you are expected to be a positive role model who sets a good example,” PETA said in a letter to Mori. “Prove that your beauty is more than skin deep.”

“By choosing to wear fur, not only are you directly responsible for the deaths of dozens of animals, you’re also sending a message to everyone who sees you that animals’ lives are less important than fashion,” it said.

The Miss Universe Japan office referred queries to Mori’s office in New York, where she is based. No one could be reached.