Animal rights activists have had luxury clothing and accessory brand Louis Vuitton on their ish-list for using animal fur and skin to make their goods for quite some time. As the brand’s creative director, Pharrell Williams has had a target on his back for the activists.
The rapper-producer-style star was confronted by a group while leaving the GQ Men Of The Year Party in Hollywood on Nov 14. In a video captured by The Hollywood Fix, a protester gets in Williams’ face as he tries to get into his car and yells, “Shame on you, you animal murderer. You are a loser. What type of person still uses fur?”
Williams tries to calm the man down, asking if he can hug him, but the protester was having none of it, screaming expletives at the artist instead.
This wasn’t the first encounter between Williams and animal rights activists. Back in October, he was confronted by protesters carrying a banner that read, “Pharrell: Stop Supporting Killing Animals for Fashion” at a screening of his film “Piece by Piece” during a closing night event during the London Film Festival, according to Variety.
Williams, who is known as much for his style as his sound, was appointed as the brand’s Creative Director in 2023 after the death of Virgil Abloh.
“I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Creative Director. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter,” said Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO, in a statement about his appointment.
In a 2023 letter to Williams congratulating him on his position at Louis Vuitton, PETA revealed the results of an investigation by PETA Asia that showed animals being harmed at suppliers’ facilities and appealed to him to ensure animal skins and furs would no longer be used to make their products.
“As you’re someone who champions animal activism, we’re sure that this cruelty doesn’t align with your values. Today, innovative, animal- and planet-friendly materials, including bio-based faux fur and embossed fruit and mycelium leathers, are readily available—and Louis Vuitton is already using them! There’s no need for any animal to suffer for fashion,” they wrote.