Famous Fur Nothin’ Versus Famous Fur Somethin’

You know the Barbi Twins, right? Although not “Famous for Something,” the Barbi Twins actually tout themselves with humble self-deprecation as the original “Famous for Nothings.”  But they are, indeed, “Famous for Something”–animal activism. Here’s the scoop on their latest battle for the beasts—one of their many campaigns on behalf of the four-legged and fury.

A brewing and heated Twitter exchange erupted last month between the world famous, vegan pin-up girls of the 90′s–the Barbi Twins and business woman, mom, and supermodel Kathy Ireland.  And things have just escalated. The “Twitter War” was just one event next to a Kardashian flour bombing that spun a controversial celebrity feud that has turned into a worldwide disputation over wearing fur for the sake of fashion.  I received comments from the Barbi Twins and talked to Kathy Ireland through her publicist.

Here’s a link to the article that ignited the celebrity controversy. Several petitions have also surfaced due to the media attention brought on by the fur debate. One petition was recently put forth by an anti-fur group on Facebook and shared through Twitter.

On March 24^th, Kathy Ireland, was confronted by protesters in Renton, Washington at the American Legend fur auction–an event resulting from her Twitter exchange with the Barbi Twins. This, another of many fall-outs from the “Twitter War” with the Barbi Twins, created quite the scene. The fearless, smiling and soft spoken Kathy Ireland claimed that it was her choice to wear fur as she defended her stance from one side of a fence separating her from a hostile crowd of anti-fur protesters and a slew of policemen ready for anything.

It seems that the woman who is really in the spotlight, however, is Kim Kardashian. Like the Barbi Twins she appeared in that famous gentleman’s magazine, and like them she is known for being “Famous for Nothing.” The Barbi Twins are self-proclaimed and the first “Famous for Nothings” turned animal activists. Kim Kardashian may be the most “Famous for Nothing” turned fur-wearing celebrity. Some other fur-loving celebrities include Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Tara Reid, Sharon Stone, Lindsay Lohan, Madonna, and Rihanna, just to name a few.  Among sister celebrities wearing fur or selling fur are Khloe and Kim Kardashian and the Olsen Twins. These ladies promote fur sales in their clothing lines or wear fur themselves.Kim Kardashian

The Barbi Twins, according to their Wikipedia page, are more than just spokeswomen for animal causes. They get down in the trenches and rescue animals, foster them and adopt them out. They have even participated in trap, neuter and return (TNR) programs designed to control feral cats, among other more involved efforts to promote animal welfare and responsible animal management.

They are passionate crusaders, having lent their name to various causes. They have campaigned for animal protection bills and have protested animal research labs and the use of performing animals in circuses. The Twins wrote a How To vegan book and were associate producers of the award winning documentary Your Mommy Kills Animals.  They also have donated the proceeds from their books and calendar sales to animal charities and have recruited other celebrities to speak out against animal cruelty. The Twins have most recently teamed up with Willie Nelson and his family to oppose horse slaughter legislation and have appeared on The Howard Stern show to promote an array of animal charities.

The sisters have entirely given up their “Famous for Nothing” show business careers to devote their time to working behind-the-scenes on behalf of the animal kingdom.  They were featured in the graphic film Skin Trade, a movie produced and directed by award-winning director, Shannon Keith.  The film, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fur industry, received an outpouring of attention from celebrities.  Actor Ed Begley, Jr. said, “Skin Trade is a must-see wake-up call, not only to those who wear fur, but to those who think that fashion does not impact the environment. If you truly want to be green, stop wearing animals!”

I’m not an animal rights activist and have long been anti-PETA, primarily because they are anti-zoo.  I disagree with the Barbi Twins on many things including their views on PETA. When I asked the Twins how they feel about PETA they said, “PETA is great with animal rights and promoting veganism and PETA’s tactics, though criticized, have worked. For example, my husband, Ken Wahl, on the movie set for Fort Apache the Bronx, with Paul Newman, took notice of a PETA anti-fur stunt. It opened his eyes to the cruelty of the fur trade, which he was never aware of before. Khloe Kardashian recently denounced PETA because she is opposed to bullying and violence. I guess she did not get the memo that the fur industry is the most violent crime against animals.”

They went on to say, “When it comes to animal rescue, we are supporters of NO KILL, and again, Nathan Winograd. Our birthday wish is for everyone to stop bullying ANIMALS, which will set the precedence for people to stop bullying people!”