Pharrell attempts to hug animal rights activist confronting him over 'supporting the fur industry'

By CHRISTINE RENDON and SEAN O'GRADY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM 19:03 15 Nov 2024, updated 19:36 15 Nov 2024

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Pharrell attempted to hug an animal rights activist who confronted him outside of the Chateau Marmont following the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Pharrell, who has incurred the wrath of animal activists since being named Louis Vuitton's new creative director last year, was faced with angry protestors again on Thursday who slammed him for 'supporting the fur industry.' 

However he attempted to diffuse the situation by offering the activist an embrace and telling him, 'God bless you.'

While his efforts were unsuccessful, as the man remained upset and another woman could be heard yelling 'animal abuser!' during the face-off, Pharrell kept a positive attitude throughout the clash before returning to his vehicle.

'Shame on Pharrell for supporting the fur industry! Shame on Pharrell for supporting the fur industry! Shame on you, you animal murderer!' the man, wearing a 'Defend Animals' sweatshirt and hat, began yelling.

Pharrell initially seemed amused as he repeated several of the phrases in a playful tone, 'Shame on Pharrell! Shame on Pharrell!'

The Get Lucky singer then approached the individual and attempted to make peace, although unsuccessfully.

'What type of man uses fur!?' the man angrily asked. 'I don't, God bless you,' Pharrell responded.

As the man continued to shout at Pharrell, the musician repeatedly said, 'God bless you,' as he approached him with his arms outstretched.

'No!' the man shouted, rejecting his hug, before presenting his poster to him. 'Look what you're supporting!' he exclaimed.

'Animal abuser!' another woman screamed from the crowd. 'Shame on you!' she screamed before the artist entered his vehicle. 

This is not the first time animal activists have targeted Pharrell. 

Protestors were present at a screening of Pharrell's Piece by Piece movie at the London Film Festival last month and he was also faced with activists during his Olympics party over the summer. 

PETA Vice President Yvonne Taylor previously said in a statement: 'While Pharrell lives it up at celeb-filled soirées, the vulnerable animals sentenced to die for his 'fashion' choices languish in pain and filth on factory farms and at slaughterhouses, where they'll be hacked to bits or skinned alive.

'PETA is calling on Pharrell to stop being complicit in cruelty and help pull Louis Vuitton out of the dark ages by shunning the antiquated use of animal skins and fur.'

Pharrell, who was named as Louis Vuitton's new creative director last year, incurred the wrath of PETA when he created a $1million made-to-order bag made from crocodile leather.

PETA's US Senior Vice President Lisa Lange invited him to tour a crocodile factory farm to see how the animals are treated prior to slaughter.

She said: 'We'd like to invite you on a less-than-luxurious tour of a filthy (for that's what they are) crocodile factory farm with us to see the living origins of your 'Millionaire' bag.

'You'd want to bring along nose plugs and high boots to wade through fetid, waste-filled water. If we go to an indoor tank, also bring a flashlight, because you won't see daylight. There are no blurred lines here. Killing wildlife for a bag isn't cool – it's cold.'

Several pieces from Pharrell's first line with Louis Vuitton also contained fur, according to the New York Times.  

Pharrell previously opened up to British GQ about his role with Louis Vuitton, saying: 'It wasn't an interview or anything.

'It was like, "Will you accept this position? Will you accept this appointment?" I'm looking at the water and I'm just like, "What?"'

The accomplished record producer stayed humble about his new role with Louis Vuitton, saying: 'I never thought it would be me.'

'I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men's Creative Director,' Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton's Chairman and CEO, said at the time.

'His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.'

The singer hasn't released a new album since 2017, instead keeping himself busy with his new sartorial venture