David Beckham Targeted by Animal Rights Group  8/14/05

Soccer star David Beckham will be publicly shamed by an animal rights group, which aims to embarrass him out of wearing kangaroo-skin boots. 

Vegetarians' International Voice for Animals' (VIVA) is horrified the Real Madrid ace is promoting sports brand Adidas's Predator Pulse footwear, because the shoes are made from kangaroo leather, which is chosen for its lightness and suppleness. And they are planning to target Beckham at a high-profile event, to tell him baby kangaroos are unnecessarily slaughtered to provide the "selfish fashion accessories". 

Viva spokesman Justin Kerswell explains, "It's appalling that the kangaroo, an icon of Australia, is being treated so shamefully. "Most people don't realize that many of the most popular football boots are made from kangaroo leather."