2007 News
Pink backdown: Deceived by PETA
American pop star Pink has backed down over her call for a boycott of Australian wool, saying that she was misinformed by the radical animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
Pink told Richard Wilkins on this morning’s Today program that she was “speaking without thinking” during the infamous video clip she made for PETA following a concert in December.
Highlighting the unethical lengths PETA will go to in order to spread its misinformation in the media, Pink said the extreme group had not informed her that the Australian wool industry had already decided to phase out mulesing by 2010.
Pink said “PETA uses celebrities and shock tactics” and that she was “absolutely” used by PETA.
Mr Les Targ, speaking on behalf of the Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce, said he was happy to hear that Pink had accepted the industry’s invitation to meet with Australian wool growers when she comes to Australia in April.
“This is a welcome first step from Pink, indicating that she is open to meeting with Australian woolgrowers and to hearing the other side of the story. She admitted that she did not do her own research and had been misled by PETA.
“However, actions speak louder than words, so Pink needs to instruct PETA to remove her misleading video and statement from its website.
“PETA acted unethically in not fully informing Pink, with the radical group seemingly more interested in media stunts than actually doing anything proactive about animal welfare.”
Mr Targ also said Australian woolgrowers were overwhelmed with the public support they received in December when Pink called on a boycott of the Australian wool industry.
“We look forward to our meeting with Pink before her concert tour in April,” concluded Mr Targ.
Download Richard Wilkins' interview with Pink here (2Meg video).