23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Gisele: Fur Scum': Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen humiliated on stage in PETA's brutal anti-fur protest
Back in 2002, what should have been a dazzling moment in Gisele Bündchen's modeling career turned into a controversial and frightening experience that would ultimately reshape her views on animal rights.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
During the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the supermodel was unexpectedly confronted by PETA protestors who stormed the runway with signs that read: 'Gisele: Fur Scum.'
A terrifying moment in fashion turns into a personal reckoning for Gisele Bündchen
At the time, Gisele Bündchen had recently modeled for Blackglama, a renowned fur brand famous for its star-studded 'What Becomes a Legend Most?' campaign. But her association with the furrier came at a high cost—attracting backlash from animal rights activists and putting her squarely in the crosshairs of PETA's anti-fur campaign.
Security quickly removed the protestors, and Bündchen, ever the professional, continued walking the runway and finished the show. But the incident left a lasting mark on her. 'I thought they were going to hurt me,' she later told Vanity Fair. 'I didn't know what was going on.'
Despite the shock, Bündchen didn't respond with anger. Instead, she used the experience as an opportunity for reflection and growth. She eventually wrote an apology letter to PETA and became more vocal about her deep love for animals—a passion that has defined much of her life beyond the catwalk.
From fashion icon to animal rights advocate: Gisele's transformation after the controversy
'It was a bad decision on my part, because I don't wear fur,' Bündchen admitted. 'And I understand their cause. I am the biggest animal-lover in the world. I have four dogs and two horses, and I have rescued animals all my life.'
Her advocacy didn't stop at public statements. Bündchen worked with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to raise awareness about the killing of bear cubs in Russia. She noted that while Leonardo DiCaprio supported whales through similar efforts, she chose to champion bears.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Although her initial interest in Blackglama was fueled by admiration for the celebrities in its campaigns, the incident with PETA became a powerful turning point.
Also Read:
Gisele Bündchen's journey from runway star to vocal animal advocate shows that even in the most glamorous careers, moments of confrontation can spark real and lasting change.
