The animal rights organization, PETA, has named Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons Man of the Year citing his vegan diet and frequent public appeals to reduce animal cruelty. Simmons joins the ranks of those honored by the organization in the past including Tim Gunn and bill Clinton.
Simmons has voiced his dietary preference in the media since he opted to stick to a vegan lifestyle and shun foods that contain animal products ten years ago. The hip hop mogul penned his reasons for maintaining a vegan lifestyle in an article on his website, Global Grind, writing, “Being a thoughtful vegan makes our time on this Earth more peaceful and joyous, because you get to have a hand in promoting and increasing the happiness, good health and well-being of others—both animal and human—rather than being an instrument of their suffering and death.”
PETA points to his many public activities related to animal advocacy as proof of his commitment to reduce animal suffering. in addition to making his Argyleculture clothing line free of animal products, Simmons has participated in a number of PSAs and called upon KFC to improve the practices of the chain’s suppliers in an open letter.
The honor is the second that PETA has bestowed upon Simmons this year as the organization featured the pioneering businessman in a series of limited-edition stamps featuring famous celebrity and historical figures who maintained vegetarian diets which included a host of individuals from the Greek mathematician Pythagoras to contemporaries like Natalie Portman.
Simmons acknowledged the work of the organization’s volunteers in a press release where he accepted the award. “The horrible abuse of animals is the worst karmic disaster in the history of human kind. The work that PETA does to combat this catastrophe is amazing. I’m truly humbled to be chosen as this year’s Person of the Year but the praise should go to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that are on the ground doing the work. I accept this honor on their behalf,” wrote Simmons.
PETA Announces Def Jam Co-Founder Russell Simmons as Man of the Year
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