Johnny Weir to PETA Lighten Up

Figure skater Johnny Weir is known for his over the top, fashion-forward costumes -- but Friends of Animals and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are up in arms about a fox fur-lined costume Weir recently wore on the ice.

Friends of Animals also sent a letter to Weir's costumer, Stephanie Handler.

"I totally get the dirtiness of the fur industry and how terrible it is to animals. But it's not something that's the number 1 priority in my life," Weir said on Tuesday. "There are humans dying every day. There are thousands, if not millions, of homeless people in New York City. Look at what just happened in Haiti.

"I tend to focus my energy, if there is a cause, on humans. While that may be callous and bad of me, it's my choice."
Weir said he felt his costume was lovely, but Friends of Animals said foxes are typically electrocuted or beaten for their fur.

"He's a role model for a lot of people, including other skaters," said Priscilla Feral, president of Friends of Animals. "When he makes fun of the suffering of animals that are consumed for this frivolous fashion industry and whose lives are sacrificed so he can wear little tufts of fur on his outfit, that's fair game for comment."

Weir finished third in the recent U.S. skating championships, qualifying for the Olympic team for the second time.