The animal rights organization Peta didn’t like the piece, but Versace insisted it was produced in an ethical manner.
Jennifer Lopez shined as one of the standout performers in the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show, alongside Shakira. The duo brought a celebration of diversity to the stage by incorporating Latin influences into their performance.
One of J-Lo’s outfits sparked some online debate when she wore a unique red, white, and blue coat. The coat featured the United States flag on one side and the flag of Puerto Rico on the other, paying homage to her roots as a proud Puerto Rican-American. Born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, J-Lo’s outfit showcased her heritage and cultural pride.
Peta, the animal rights organization, expressed their disapproval of the artwork and took to social media to accuse the artist of using actual feathers: “This resulted in the deaths of numerous birds,” their statement read on both Instagram and Twitter.
Mariel Haenn, a stylist working with the singer, revealed that the coat was specially designed by Versace and adorned with 40,000 feathers in red, blue, and white that were meticulously hand-sewn together. This sparked a swift response from animal activists on social media.
One person remarked, “That’s so unnecessary.” Another added, “Such a shame.” In response to the backlash, Versace took to Instagram to clarify, stating, “All feathers used in the design are sourced ethically.”