Weir ditches fox fur from costume amid animal rights campaigners' threat
AMERICAN figure skater Johnny Weir has decided against competing at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next month in a costume trimmed with fox fur but insists it is not a victory for animal rights campaigners.
GIVING IN: US figure skater Johnny Weir has ditched the genuine fox fur ahead of the Vancouver Winter Olympics (Getty Images)
The 25-year-old former world bronze medallist, who competed at the US Figure Skating Championships last month in a costume adorned with genuine fox fur, has issued a statement that he will not do so in Vancouver.
And while Weir has given the activists what they want, he revealed the decision was as a result of numerous threats that his performance will be disrupted in Vancouver and not just to please them.
"I do not want something as silly as my costume disrupting my second Olympic experience and my chance at a medal, a dream I have had since I was a kid," Weir said.
"I hope these activists can understand that my decision to change my costume is in no way a victory for them, but a draw.
"I am not changing in order to appease them, but to protect my integrity and the integrity of the Olympic Games as well as my fellow competitors.
"Just weeks away from hitting my starting position on the ice in Vancouver, I have technique and training to worry about and that trumps any costume and any threat I may receive."
Friends of Animals posted an open letter to Weir after the US Championships, voicing their discontent.
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Comments
Johnny, I'm easily old
Johnny, I'm easily old enough to be your grandmother, and I say what I think.
The ARists are trying to control the world be controlling celebrities. As a celeb, you can be sure the animal rights activists are using you, and they will stop at nothing. If you believe in who you are, you need to stick to your guns.
I've had my 15 minutes of fame and had people try to use me to reach their own personal goals. Luckily, I recognized their ulterior motives and drew the line. It made me stronger.
You've always had attitude, Johnny. Please don't let a handful of terrorists make you a coward.
If Johnny Weit doesn't have the courage of his convictions, who will?
Don't know who you are, but congrats
Take some credit, young man, for doing the right thing. Costumes (and all clothing, for that matter) are not "silly"; in fact, they directly reflect the ethics of the wearer. There is no shame in admitting that you were wrong about the fur because of the extreme animal cruelty involved in fur farming, and that now you've decided not to wear it.
Wearing Fur by Johnny Weir
Johnny -
Knowing these Animal Rights freaks as I do - they will soon expect you to wear clamp-on-to-your-sneakers skates - so you will no have to wear leather!
They aren't out to help the animals - they are out to control you - and me - and everyone else. They are very sick individuals who do NOT represent most of the earth's population!
listening to ARses
Dear Johnny -
Sorry you had to "cave in" to the ARses (aka Animal Rights freaks) and abandon your original plan for your skating costume. I wish you hadn't - wish you had stuck to your skates and flaunted it in their faces. NO - they are NOT a majority! NO - they are NOT in charge of the world! NO - they are NOT elected! AND - - NO, NO are they representing the majority of people in the world!!!!
Please - reconsider your decision - stick to your "skates" and do what's right! Don't allow these bullies to intimidate you! Please - don't wimp out!
Will be cheering you on - no matter what your decision.
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