RUSSELL SIMMONS - RUSSELL SIMMONS JOINS KFC BOYCOTT

Hip-hop mogul RUSSELL SIMMONS is supporting PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS (PETA)'s call for a boycott on fast-food chain KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN (KFC).

Simmons appeared in a full-page advertisment in THE COURIER-JOURNAL in Louisville, Kentucky, America, where the chain is based, calling for more humane practices in raising and slaughtering chickens.

He also wrote in a letter to DAVID C NOVAK, CEO of company owner YUM BRANDS, reading, "What KFC does to 750 million chickens each year, on your watch, is not civilized or acceptable, and you can change that.

"I am calling for a boycott of all KFC restaurants until my friends at PETA tell me that you have agreed to be kinder in your practices."

Vegetarian Simmons is another in a long line of celebrities to support the pressure group's causes, including SIR PAUL McCARTNEY and CHRISSIE HYNDE.

Yum Brands say humane treatment is not their problem, because they do not slaughter the chickens, but rather buy, cook and sell them. The suppliers that do slaughter the chickens are required to follow guidelines developed by the industry.