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As PETA’s animal-friendly wiseguys took over screens during football’s biggest game, our runway rebels made a scene at one of fashion’s most iconic events. Thanks to you, PETA is persuading consumers and brands to show animals some respect—and let them keep their own skin. Millions of viewers tuned in to Super Bowl LIX for the touchdowns, but PETA’s “mindful mobsters” set their sights on a different kind of foul play. In our first-ever Super Bowl ad series, goodfellas Frankie and Joey have no problem burying a body or roughing up a rival—but when it comes to exploiting animals for clothing, that’s a line they won’t cross. The kindhearted kingpins shake down the leather and wool industries as they school rookie Johnny—calling out how a cow “got whacked” for his leather jacket and the lamb whose wool was stolen to make his sweater was likely punched, kicked, and “cut…up real good.” While settling scores and tending to bullet wounds, they drop some hard-hitting animal rights wisdom, as Frankie shouts, “Cows are sentient beings with feelings and emotions!” The three-part series was a real hit, garnering widespread attention and praise—TMZ hailed it as “pure genius.” Our accompanying website likens cows and sheep to tight-knit, loyal mob families and exposes atrocities in the leather and wool rackets. It urges viewers to “fuhgeddaboud” wearing animals and opt for vegan upgrades, such as a cactus leather wallet ideal for hiding hush money. Frankie and Joey would surely give the green light to another cruelty-free crusader: Charli XC Cow, PETA’s sassy AI-powered robot calf. Charli stole the spotlight on the first day of New York Fashion Week, interacting with designers and attendees at some of the week’s biggest shows. She asked leather-clad passersby, “Are you wearing my mother?” and described how cows suffer for leather—while celebrating with a dance for those sporting compassionate fashion. After hearing from Charli, several designers told us they would never use leather in any of their work. PETA supporters kept the momentum going throughout the high-profile week. One protester took over the sidewalk outside Coach’s show, boldly displaying “Leather Kills” on her chest and “Turn Your Back on Leather” on her back. Inside, an animal ally was dragged from the show while shouting, “Coach kills! Leather kills!” Meanwhile, a disguised PETA supporter implored Michael Kors to ban leather—paparazzi snapped photos as security wrestled away his sign. Following pressure from PETA and our supporters, Coach, Michael Kors, and dozens of other brands have banned fur—now, it’s time for them to ditch leather made from the skins of tortured and slaughtered animals and embrace cruelty-free vegan leather. Take action to let brands know you support animal-free fashion. Your generosity helps ensure that PETA can use every opportunity—including top sporting and fashion events—to amplify the animal rights message. Thank you!
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