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02nd Dec 2021

Billie Eilish named PETA’s person of the year

Katy Brennan

Billie is the youngest person to ever be awarded the title.

Billie Eilish has been named Peta’s person of the year for using her voice to fight for animal rights and “never staying silent about injustice”.

The 19-year-old, who advocates against the use of fur, was praised for “using her influence to push the fashion industry to recognise that cruelty is never in style”.

Billie’s previous activism in this area led Oscar de la Renta to completely ditch fur. The singer agreed to partner with the brand and wear a custom gown to the Met Gala only if it would stop using fur and it obliged.

“I find it shocking that wearing fur isn’t completely outlawed at this point in 2021,” she said at the time.

“I am so beyond thrilled that the Oscar de la Renta team heard me on this issue and have made a change that not only makes an impact for the greater good for animals but also for our planet and environment, too.”

She noted the label’s decision as her biggest achievements in her career so far.

The star also uses her platform to speak about veganism.

In the past, she has criticised the meat and dairy industry for “torturing animals”. She recently asked her fans not to eat turkey this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Turkeys are some of the most gentle creatures in the world. I learned about the dairy industry and the meat industry… and I just can’t go on in my life knowing what’s going on in the animal world and not doing anything about it.”

This year’s Met Gala, of which Billie was co-chair, served exclusively vegan meals to its guests for the very first time.

After launching her own line of vegan Nike runners earlier this year, she went on to debut her 100% cruelty free signature perfume titled Eilish.

PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk said: “Billie Eilish is making sure that the party’s over for meaty, milky meals as well as for leather, fur, and silk.

“Peta is happier than ever to celebrate her for seizing every opportunity to point out that vegan fashion and foods are kinder to the animals and the planet we share with them.”

Past winners of the annual award including Joaquin Phoenix, Morrisey, Pamela Anderson and Oprah Winfrey.