Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s book signing attracted masked animal rights protestors yesterday (28.10.08).
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Two representatives from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) – who call themselves the Trollsen Twins – wore masks designed by the organisation and held signs condemning the pair’s penchant for fur at the New York event for the Olsen’s new fashion bible Influence.
The placards read ‘Trollsens Fur Hags From Hell’ and ‘Hairy Kate + Ashley Olsen: Fur Tramps’.
Ashley Byrne, PETA campaign coordinator, admits the demonstration may not have been seen by the stars themselves, but they would have been aware of their presence.
She said: “They can hustle in the back of a book signing and they can avoid these PETA protesters, a lot of who grew up being fans.
“But they really can’t avoid the fact that when they make these ugly decisions, it shows and it turns off their fans.”
Dan Shannon, PETA’s assistant director of youth campaigns, added: “From their ghoulish garb to their skeletal frames, every day is Halloween if you’re an Olsen twin.”
The signing – held at the city’s Barnes + Noble bookstore – was restricted by a strict set of nine strict rules which demands fans must accept the books in silence and cannot take pictures.
