Shirley Ballas, the head judge of the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, was forced to change her outfit last minute after animal rights charity PETA criticized the show for using feathers in costumes. Ballas wore a red sequin dress for the results show, but feathers were removed from the dress after PETA’s complaint. The use of bird plumage in costumes can be painful and fatal for birds, prompting PETA to request alternative materials be used. Wardrobe assistants had to quickly remove the feathers from the outfit, and even fellow judge Motsi Mabuse was reportedly helping ensure they were completely removed.
PETA’s vice president of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, wrote a letter to show bosses urging them to stop using feathers in the show’s costumes. She highlighted the extreme cruelty involved in obtaining bird feathers, stating that they have no place on the dance floor. The letter emphasized the gory nature of using bird feathers and called for the industry to move towards alternatives. In response to PETA’s complaints, the fashion industry has started banning the use of feathers, with designers like Stella McCartney committing to going feather-free.
The controversy surrounding the use of feathers in Strictly Come Dancing costumes has shed light on the cruelty animals face in the fashion industry. Live plucking, a common practice, causes birds pain and can lead to fatal injuries. PETA’s letter urged show bosses to consider the impact their costume choices have on animals and to transition to using alternative, cruelty-free materials. The organization emphasized that the use of bird feathers in costumes is not glamorous but instead gory, highlighting the need for reform within the industry.
Strictly Come Dancing has faced backlash from animal rights activists for the use of real feathers in their costumes, with PETA calling for a change in practices. The pressure forced head judge Shirley Ballas to make a last-minute outfit change for the show’s results episode. Despite the glamorous nature of the costumes, the use of bird plumage raises ethical concerns and highlights the need for more sustainable fashion choices. The fashion industry, including designers like Stella McCartney, has already taken steps to ban feathers, leading to a broader conversation about animal cruelty in the industry.
The incident involving Shirley Ballas’ outfit change on Strictly Come Dancing has sparked discussions about the treatment of animals in the fashion world. PETA’s complaint and subsequent letter to show bosses highlighted the inhumane practices involved in obtaining bird feathers for costumes. The organization’s push for the show to use alternative materials aligns with a broader trend within the fashion industry towards more ethical and sustainable practices. The controversy surrounding the use of feathers in the show’s costumes serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the impact of fashion choices on animals and the environment.
