J-Lo's Movie Opening Takes Defensive Countermeasures Against Anti-fur Activists

The New York Times coverage of the opening of Jennifer Lopez's new film focused on the anti fur protests.
The article, headed "A Fleeting Image of Elvis In a Sequined Muumuu" appears in the Wednesday, May 4 New York Times, page B2.

It described the set-up:
"The red carpet was in a giant tent, put up to protect the frail reporters' constitutions against the shouts of the anti-fur people. In case that wasn't enough, large speakers blaring light jazz were set up facing the protesters. Publicists asked us not to speak with any of the protesters, which was odd, as they usually make those sorts of requests only about their own clients."

There is a brief interview with Jacqueline Bisset:

"Jacqueline Bisset, who still looks great even though she asked us not to interview her under the glare of the television lights, asked us about the tent.
"We explained.
'''They're mad at J.Lo? Well, I agree. I must say I'd throw something at her,' she said, laughing.
"'No I'm not, but I mean, everyone was so publicly against it a few years ago and they're all back wearing fur and I don't get it. I think it's a joke. That's why the tent is here? It's complicated. I used to wear fur, but I haven't since about 1978.'''

Then we get to Jennifer Lopez's entrance:
"Enter Ms. Lopez, furlessly, wearing a pale green Greek-style dress, which would have made her look sort of like CARRIE on prom night if the anti-fur people broke loose with the red paint.
"Her handler walked the carpet before the interviews asking us not to ask Ms. Lopez about the fur protest.
"(Now that's more like it!)
"Ms. Lopez came to us. We asked her about the fur protest.
'''They told me that they were out there,' she said. 'And I think the whole idea for them is to get us to talk about it, and I'm not going to entertain that energy right now.'
"Will you continue to wear fur?
'''I don't really want to, again, that's what they want us to do,' Ms. Lopez responded. 'They want me to come down the line and talk about it and I don't want to do that. I don't agree with all of these tactics, so I don't want to talk about it, if you don't mind, we can move on.'''

You can read the whole article on line at: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/04/nyregion/04bold.html
And you can learn more about PETA's protest against J. Lo and her new clothing line, which includes mink shorts, at: http://www.jlodown.com

The New York Times coverage gives us a great opportunity for anti-fur letters to the editor. The New York Times takes letters at:
letters [at] nytimes.com Always include your full name, address, and daytime phone number when sending a letter to the editor. Shorter letters are more likely to be published.


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