Much like American Idol this season, PETA seems to be aiming to impress Beliebers and Gleeks. And why not? It seems that teens are where it’s at. Just take True Grit‘s Hailee Steinfeld, the adorable teen who showed up on the Golden Globes red carpet this past Sunday looking delicious in a prim but fresh Prabal Gurung number. (Rumor has it she’s up for the role of Katniss Everdeen in the silver screen adaptation of The Hunger Games—dream casting I support wholeheartedly.) She was standing not-so-far from the Biebs himself, who was hawking his biographical concert film, Never Say Never. The two presented the award for Best Animated Film, a coupling that prompted Toy Story 3‘s director to muse, “Were you two even born when the first Toy Story came out?”
Point. But a bit of gossip to segue. Allegedly, post-audition on the Paramount lot, Miss Steinfeld approached Lea Michele (who was dressed in Rachel Berry regalia) and timidly offered her salutations. Only to be snubbed by the Glee goddess herself! Eeps! Not the first time Lea has been accused of diva-like behavior. Seems like someone’s sourpuss is in need of a PR coup.
Which is why her second PETA ad comes at an opportune time. Posing with a white horse, Michele looks serene and lovely, like a perfect Disney princess. A tinge out of character, so what’s the deal? Equus revival? (Nah, DanRad is moving on to How to Succeed in a Business Without Really Trying! Have you seen him sing the periodic table? That HP’s a doozy.)
Apparently, Michele is against those horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. In a video (below) for the pet-friendly org, Michele is seen crying on cue, with images of the horse’s too-tight stalls in the background. She says the stalls aren’t kept clean and they’re too small to sleep in, which means that even after a long workday these critters sleep standing! I always thought those rides were romantic, but nothing kills the mood like a pony in pain. Take a peek. At least she’s milking it for an excellent cause.
On the other hand, let’s talk about the stock photo of Justin Bieber used in his PETA ad. Like Michele, he’s also on his second effort. Still, would it have been so hard to get the tyke with a pooch? He is, after all, encouraging kids to get out there and adopt animals—much to their parents’ delight, I’m sure. As the owner of a golden retriever and a couple of kittens, I fully support the cause. I just wish this didn’t smell of insincerity. Thank goodness I saw Selena Gomez’s paramour in concert last summer, otherwise I’d be outraged. Instead, I can’t help but downgrade the fury to slight peevement. And he did look adorable at the Globes with his tousled ‘do—especially next to Hailee, who surpassed him by a few inches. We smile, he smiles, pets smile. Everyone’s happy, I think.
Sigh. See? Those kids hit me where it hurts. Which is to say the heart. Keep it together people! I’m a lady.
Will you be boycotting pony rides anytime soon? Hitting up the local shelter in hopes of spotting a Bieb? Volunteering as a lunch lady at your local high school? Break out the hairspray and hormones.
XO, The Green Gamine
