VANCOUVER VOICE: Weir shacks up with Belbin amid 'serious threats'

AMERICAN figure skater Johnny Weir has admitted defeat and will stay at the Olympic Village in Vancouver amid ‘very serious threats' from anti-fur protesters.

HARD LIFE: Johnny Weir moves into the Olympic Village with Tanith Belbin amid 'very serious threats' (Getty Images)

The 25-year-old former world bronze medallist competed at last month's US Championships in a costume trimmed with genuine fox fur, prompting a number of complaints from activists.

Friends of Animals posted an open letter to Weir after the US Championships, voicing their discontent and Weir released a statement revealing he would be wearing faux-fur in Vancouver.

He remained adamant however, that he had not done so to appease the protesters, rather than to ensure his Olympic preparations were not distracted.

But Weir, who intended to stay in a hotel, rather than the Olympic Village, has admitted arranging security for a hotel would have been too complex.

In Turin 2006, Weir finished fifth and admitted he didn't enjoy the Olympic Village but it appears he is now willing to make do.

"I totally get the dirtiness of the fur industry and how terrible it is to animals. But it's not something that's the number one priority in my life," said Weir.

"There are humans dying everyday. There are thousands if not millions of homeless people in New York City. Look at what just happened in Haiti.

"I tend to focus my energy, if there is a cause, on humans. While that may be callous and bad of me, it's my choice."

It's not all doom and gloom for Weir though. In the Olympic Village he'll be sharing a two-bedroom suite with fellow American figure skater Tanith Belbin. It's a hard life!