Rihanna slammed for ostrich feather outfit

Rihanna has come under fire from animal rights activists for wearing ostrich feathers during a recent public appearance.

The Umbrella hitmaker posed in an aqua-colored feathery top as she launched her new fragrance in London last month (Aug11), and officials at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are fuming about her outfit choice.

PETA spokeswoman Sandra Smiley tells Britain's Daily Star, "Rihanna is flaunting stolen property, in this case feathers possibly plucked right off their rightful owners' backs.

"She has shown little regard for foxes, cows and reptiles, now she's adding birds to the list of species exploited for her dubious looks. Feathers are often ripped off chickens, geese, ostriches and emus in live plucking. This can result in gaping wounds that are sewn up with a needle and thread without anesthetic.

"We keep hoping that Rihanna, a victim of violence herself, will learn to open her heart and start empathising with the suffering of others.

"That includes the animals who are beaten, gassed, electrocuted and poisoned to be turned into fashion accessories."