Katherine Jenkins booed by animal rights campaigners as she opens Harrods sale
CLASSICAL music star Katherine Jenkins ignored boos from animal rights campaigners today as she joined thousands of bargain-hunters at Harrods' winter sale.
Anti-fur protesters screamed "shame on Katherine" as the Neath-born mezzo soprano arrived at the historic Knightsbridge store by horse-drawn carriage.
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But the shouts were soon drowned out as shoppers – who had been waiting since midnight – fought their way in.
With up to 50 per cent off brands including Gucci, Prada and Jimmy Choo, hundreds of women were seen rushing up the escalators to the handbags and shoes department.
Katherine was presented with a pair of diamond encrusted Christian Louboutin shoes during her tour.
The vegetarian star said she tried not to let the animal rights campaigners "dampen everyone's fun".
Flanked by her mother Susan, who joined her on the tour, she said: "I was very excited to join the sales – I am a girl's girl, so obviously this is my idea of fun.
"Personally I do not eat meat or wear fur, but people are entitled to their opinions."
Katherine reportedly stepped in after chart-topping singer Leona Lewis refused a lucrative invite to open the sales because of Harrods' policy to sell fur.
Campaigner John Wilson, from the Coalition to Abolish Fur Trade, said: "We are gathered here today because of our disgust at Ms Jenkins who professes to be against animal cruelty and the fur trade.
"We understand that Harrods is now the only major store in the UK to sell imported fur."
Followed by a group of bagpipe players, Katherine and Harrods chairman Mohamed al-Fayed visited the shop's stationery, pets and musical instruments department.
She was then pictured reserving two Jasmine di Milo dresses – one in grey and one in black.
After playing on a grand piano during the tour, Katherine finished her viewing by meeting two Westie-Poodle cross-bred puppies in the pets department before moving on to the Georgian restaurant for a luxury breakfast.
She said: "Now I've got my eyes on the handbags and shoes.
"I'm looking forward to carrying on looking around with my mum."
She added that she planned to spend the New Year at home with her family in Neath, before leaving for a concert in Korea next month.
27 Comments
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by s, London
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 10:02PM
“FACT: animals are skinned alive for their fur!
I think anyone who supports such cruelty is a barbaric cruel and quite evil. Harrods is a disgusting shop that profits from animal abuse and this so called animal lover who opened the sale should be ashamed of herself.”
by Wendy, Maidstone
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 7:14PM
“The animals used for fur suffer horrendously. The animals have no voice in this, which is why protesters speak up for them.
I'm vegan so I don't eat animals in any form nor do I wear animals be it fur, leather, wool etc. Leona Lewis is a true star who has principles. Katherine Jenkins is a disgrace to side with Harrods for blood money. Shame on her for not being educated enough about the true horrors of fur. Google "fur production" those of you who haven't and see the truth for yourself.”
by Rose H, west wales
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 6:29PM
“Disgusting. If she is so anti fur why support any store that sells fur. Then again to her i suppose a pair of earrings were more important than an animals murder. And in response to comments about anti fur protesters only say "Boo" if they had said anything else they probably would have been arrested. I know what i would say but they would not print the comments”
by Jenny Moran, Australia
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 3:30PM
“G'day from Australia to anon,anon im one of the animal activist. Yer mate my attire may be casual bloody proud of it at least i have the heart not to wear a animal that has been skinned alive, i say thats class not a snotty fur wearing posh bitch luv Jenny x”
by Nicola, London
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 10:09AM
“Good on the anti fur protesters.....keep it up guys. Without your campaigning, animals will continue to be skinned alive for the sake of fashion. Without the protesters NOTHING will ever change. It's not about freedom of choice as most people don't understand the reality and if you choose to stay in ignorant bliss, then that is NOT a freedom of choice. Please don't allow ignorance to breed cruelty. GOOD ON LEONA LEWIS - well done for saying no to opening the sale!!!!”
by Aaron Cross, New Zealand
Monday, January 05 2009, 10:46PM
“Educate yourselves people. This is an attrocity. I cant find the words for those of you who criticise the protestors.”
by Paul Jakubovic, Leeds
Monday, January 05 2009, 9:14PM
“What gives us the right to think we can wear the skin of another living creature. People who do this can't be very nice people - what else would they condone. Now I know about Harrords I would urge everyone to boycot the store until such a time as they change their policy on fur. I liked Catherine Jenkins but I'm very disapointed in her. If you find this web page Catherine please devote and fee you received to an animal charity or an organisation that campaigns agains fur.
I'm a vegetarian and choose not to wear or use leather.”
by Sissy Mac Neil, Canada
Monday, January 05 2009, 8:14PM
“Wow not only does she have no problem in supporting a store that sells fur~UGHH! but she also shows up in a horse drawn carriage???For shame.I hope you enjoy those diamond encrusted shoes Katherine.May they constantly remind you that you are a sellout to your own beliefs for the right price.”
by Sarah Panullo, Pennsylvania, USA
Monday, January 05 2009, 8:14PM
“It's a shame when people become so materialistic and forget what is important. What a miserable way to live. How can one be happy with the guilt they hold inside, to support such things.”
by soraya, Norfolk
Monday, January 05 2009, 7:50PM
“Shame on pretention fake Catherine and well done Leona”