The controversy over the Dixie Chicks anti-Bush comments right before the war on Iraq led MSNBC’s Ashley Pearson to dig up some old dirt on the group’s odd relationship with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and its infamous “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Furs” ad.
According to Pearson, the Chicks posed for an “I’d Rather Go Naked . . .” ad. According to Pearson,
The trio posed in a field of flowers, wearing nothing but blossoms and their strategically placed instruments.
But at the last minute, the Dixie Chicks changed their mind, apparently fearing reaction from fans. Pearson quotes an unidentified source as saying (emphasis added),
The Chicks themselves were lovely about the whole thing, but their management got worried that some of their fans were rifle-toting, Bambi-shooting types who would take offense at an anti-fur, pro-animal message. They forbid release of the ad because they were worried about backlash or boycott. They even tried to pay PETA $10,000 to say it never happened.
A PETA spokesman said of the incident, “Agree with them or not, this trio became a phenomenon because they have country hearts with modern sensibilities and aren’t afraid to voice their views. And we hope that one day they’ll let us release this ad.”
Source:
Dixie Chicks dodged PETA-fed fire. Ashley Pearson, MSNBC, March 20, 2003.