PETA Urges Goop to Halt Use of Angora Wool

PETA is pressuring Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand Goop to stop sourcing wool from Angora rabbits, which are said to endure brutal shearing in Chinese factories. Many major brands have already eliminated this practice over concerns about animal welfare.

The animal rights organization has rolled out a social media campaign highlighting distressing footage of rabbits, showcasing their fear, injuries, and pain during the shearing process.

PETA’s president, Tracy Lyman, addressed Paltrow in a letter sent in September, noting that while Goop positions itself as a leader in the market, it remains lagging behind in ethical practices regarding Angora wool.

Goop has yet to respond to requests for a comment from the media. PETA mentioned that the company hasn’t acknowledged their petition either.

Notably, Paltrow has been seen modeling an Angora sweater priced at $238.50 on Goop’s website, reduced from its original tag of $795. In an Instagram video from March, she described it as a stylish, oversized piece suitable for a casual dinner.

In addition, Goop offers products like the Cloud Crewneck, made with an angora blend, currently priced between $595 and $357. However, PETA argues that the appealing look of these garments conceals the cruel reality of how the wool is harvested.

According to PETA, they have conducted investigations on eight Angora farms in China. Their findings reveal rabbits being suspended by their feet and exhibiting severe injuries from the shearing process.

The organization describes the conditions as an “endless hell,” with rabbits confined in cramped spaces until their fur is harvested, a traumatic experience repeated every few months.

Since PETA first exposed the inhumane practices associated with Angora wool in 2013, most brands have stopped using it. Companies like H&M, Acne, Calvin Klein, and Gucci have ceased sourcing Angora due to its cruel treatment.

PETA’s current campaign, called “From Gwyneth to Gore: The Cry of Gwyneth’s Angora Sweater,” features a cartoon showing a distressed rabbit alongside Paltrow, highlighting the stark contrast between the product’s outward appeal and the horrendous treatment of the animals.

This isn’t the first controversy for Goop, which is known for its luxury products, including cardigans priced at $995 and basic dresses at $1,990. Paltrow’s company has also faced criticism regarding its work culture, with claims of toxicity among the staff. Despite these claims, Paltrow maintains that the overall culture at Goop is quite positive.