Why does PETA sometimes use nudity in its campaigns?

PETA believes that women—and men—should be able to use their own bodies as political statements. Like Lady Godiva, who rode naked on a horse to protest taxes on the poor in the 11th century, PETA knows that provocative, attention-grabbing actions are sometimes necessary to get people talking about issues that they would otherwise prefer not to think about.

The smart, compassionate men and women who pose “naked” for PETA choose to do so because they support the cause and want to take action to help animals. For example, model Rosanna Davison, who has a degree in biomedicine and naturopathic nutrition, chose to pose naked for PETA’s “Vegans Are Red Hot” advertisement because her body has benefited from wholesome plant-based foods and she wanted to promote healthy vegan living. If you take a moment to read her commentary “Why I posed naked for a cause I believe in,” you may better understand why she was so eager to call attention to the issue.

Many famous men, including football player Bret Lockett, actor Steve-O, rapper Waka Flocka Flame, and goalkeeper Tim Howard, have stripped down to make a difference for animals as well. Thanks to them, countless people visited our website to learn more about the issues and find out what they can do to help animals.

All of PETA’s “naked” advertisements are intended to underscore an important message, whether it’s to reveal the cruelty of fur production, to emphasize the health benefits of vegan foods, or to show the vulnerability of animals in laboratories or circuses. If you want to learn more about these issues, please visit the Issues page on PETA’s website.