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American Idol Star Turns the Other Cheek for PETA

Twenty-two-year-old Vanessa Olivarez, whose recent appearance on American Idol sparked a national uproar when judge Simon Cowell chided her to lose weight, is taking it all off for the animals—her clothes, that is.

Olivarez is joining the ranks of Kim Basinger, Christy Turlington, Pamela Anderson, and other notables by posing for PETA’s “Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur” ad series. The theme of this ad: “Be comfortable in your own skin—let the animals keep theirs.”

“Regardless of what Simon says, PETA believes beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and we’re tickled to spotlight Vanessa’s unique look in our campaign for cruelty-free fashion,” says PETA Vice President Dan Mathews. Photographer Michael Law, a regular contributor to Playboy, volunteered his services to shoot the ad.

Mathews spoke with Olivarez about becoming the latest star to show her skin in order to save animals’ skins:

Dan Mathews: Why did you decide to pose for PETA’s ad?

Vanessa Olivarez: I really thought it was for a noble cause. I mean, I wouldn’t want my [dog] Chance to be in a fur coat! Fur is only sweet when it’s on the animals.

DM: Why naked?

VO: Why not? I’m totally excited about this opportunity. It gives us a chance to make fur not so glamorous—and skin a little more glamorous.

DM: What do you think about following stars like Pamela Anderson, Kim Basinger, and Christy Turlington in this ad series?

VO: I’m thrilled to be part of that roster. I definitely don’t have the body that Pamela Anderson and Christy Turlington do, but hopefully people won’t be so offended. My butt’s bigger, but it’s cool.

DM: Are you nervous?

VO: No, but if you wear fur, you should be nervous because I’m gonna hunt you down! Ha ha!

Click here to download the ad.