PETA, a non-profit organization also known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, criticizes the actress Dakota Johnson for her participation in the recent Gucci campaign.
The 33-year-old Gucci model showed off her new 1961 Jackie handbags in a shoot for Gucci, some of which are made from python and crocodile skin, which the fashion brand shared on social media on January 10.
On the brand’s official website, Gucci proudly states that the bags, which range in price from $4,000 to more than $30,000, are authentic.
On the listing for the Jackie 1961 Small Python Bag, the description states: “The Jackie 1961 is presented in python, the rare leather draws attention to its historic crescent silhouette and piston hardware.”
In response to Gucci’s use of genuine animal skin and Johnson’s association with the brand, PETA wrote a scathing letter addressed to the actress, which posted TMZ.
Jessica Shotorbanidirector of Celebrity Outreach for PETA, described in horrifying detail how abattoirs in Indonesia, which allegedly supply skins to Gucci for its products, kill the reptiles, which has fueled a recent investigation.
Shotorbani even pointed out, “The killing of these snakes is so cruel that it would be illegal in California to buy the very goods you are promoting because their sale is prohibited.”
This fact is confirmed by Gucci, as stated on the website for any python product: “Please note that python products may not be shipped to California.”
PETA’s letter to Johnson ends with Shotorbani saying, “The use of exotic skins and your promotion of Gucci products is extremely damaging. Please can we hear from you today that you commit to stop wearing and promoting fashion items with exotic skins?”
At the time of writing, Johnson has yet to respond to PETA’s letter.
The Johnson family also has an interesting history with animal rights. her grandmother Tippi Hedrenhe currently lives with approximately 13 lions and tigers in his home in California.
According to an interview Johnson had The Graham Norton Show“There used to be about 60 cats and now there are only a few. When I was born they were all in huge mixes and it was much safer. It wasn’t quite as psycho as when she first started.”
Host, Graham Nortonshe also showed Johnson a photo of her mother, Melanie Griffithsshe jumped into the pool like a child when a lion went after her leg. Johnson replied, “It is what it is,” assuring the audience that her mother did not lose her leg.
While Hedry’s efforts to save the big cat are now much safer, she was heavily criticized in the past for her decision to keep a lion as a pet and allow it to roam free and co-exist with her family, which she later admitted was “stupid. unbelievable.”