The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) encourages members to write letters and withhold donations until insensitive campaign is pulled.

Sacramento, California, September 30, 2002: PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is at it again. Within hours of the organization’s announcement that it will abandon a controversial ad campaign universally denounced by fat activists including the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), they have unveiled yet another truly offensive campaign.

The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) had expressed shock and outrage regarding the previous ad campaign from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The billboards, scheduled to pop up near airports around the country, show a large man’s stomach poking out under his T-shirt with the headline, “Don’t Buy Two Seats—Go Vegetarian.”

After considerable public outcry regarding this billboard campaign, PETA announced the Fat Fliers campaign would be pulled. However, shortly afterwards, PETA announced a new campaign (which includes live appearances throughout the country) that pokes fun at a fat Elvis headlined “Don’t Be Cruel to Your Heart and Body.” The announcement of the program (found on PETA’s website) states "Although it’s been a quarter of a century since Elvis died on his porcelain throne, millions of fans remain loyal to America’s 'king,' inspired by his signature style and soulful music. And judging by their own broadening bellies and bottoms, they are putting away the same unhealthy, fattening foods that he did."

“I don’t know how to view this other than a cheap and mean-spirited publicity stunt which works at the expense of fat people,” said NAAFA publicity manager and spokeswoman Jeanette DePatie. “They announce an offensive ad campaign and everyone talks about how stupid and awful it is. They announce they are pulling the ad campaign and everyone cheers. Then they announce another offensive campaign. I believe I detect a pattern.”

“This is just so sad,” said NAAFA Executive Director, Maryanne Bodolay. “Many of our members including me have been staunch supporters and significant contributors to PETA. I hate to think they are using my money to create these hateful and insensitive marketing programs.”

Unfortunately, this is hardly the first ad developed by PETA that is insensitive to fat people. Several previous ads in support of vegetarian life have sported big bellies and the implication that all fat people have to do is stop eating meat. “Oh that it were that simple,” said Bodolay. “There are plenty of skinny people who eat meat and plenty of vegetarians that are fat. No one aspect of anyone’s diet will determine if they are healthy or not.”

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--Fat Activists Outraged at PETA Ad, p.2

And whether or not it is healthy to be vegetarian is beside the point to many NAAFA members who feel that PETA can get their message across without being cruel to fat people. And that cruelty clearly goes beyond the ad campaign. PETA’s President Ingrid Newkirk was recently quoted in an article in the Austin American Statesman: "We're not fighting fat people, but we are fighting fat. Used to be you would look around, and there might be one fat person. And now you look around, and the floor is shaking. I think they're going to have to reinforce more than the cockpit. Men and women look as if they're eight months' pregnant if you're standing at the airport."

“In defending these disgusting ads, Ms. Newkirk has shown an astounding lack of judgement,” said DePatie. “How can I trust someone like that with my contribution? I question whether she can truly be kind to animals when she is clearly so insensitive and cruel to fellow humans--even those who have supported her cause.”

NAAFA has encouraged its membership in an extensive letter campaign and has encouraged members to cease contributions to PETA until the ad campaign is pulled and an apology is issued. “I don’t believe our members should contribute money to an organization that sees fat bashing as a means to an end,” said NAAFA Board Member, Francis White. “We are encouraging members to write to PETA and explain why they are sending their checks elsewhere.”

About NAAFA

Founded in 1969, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is a non-profit human rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on body size, and to giving fat people the tools for self-empowerment. As the nation’s premiere size acceptance advocacy organization, NAAFA fulfills its mission through public education, advocacy, research, and member support.

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