Sophie backs attack on fur trade

POP singer Sophie Ellis Bextor is to appear in a hard-hitting advertisement attacking the fur trade, it was announced yesterday.

The chart-topper, who has had hits with Murder On The Dancefloor and Take Me Home, is pictured wearing a black evening dress, holding the dead body of a skinned fox.

The striking image was taken by Mary McCartney, fashion photographer and daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, who, like Ellis Bextor, gave their time for free.

The advertisement for anti-fur group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is due to appear in magazines around the world and possibly billboards.

Ellis Bextor said: “I think fur is really pathetic when there are so many alternatives.

“I’m part of a generation that grew up with the ‘We’d rather go naked than wear fur campaign’ and it’s something that really struck a chord with me. To me it felt a very natural thing to do, to be on the side of animals when it came to fur.”

According to PETA the advert “brings home the cruel reality that is kept out of slick fur ads and fashion spreads”.