The test results are in on Diddy’s fur jacket: raccoon dog.
The HSUS tested the fur on a Sean John Hooded Snorkel Jacket sold on Macys.com that was originally advertised, incorrectly, as having an "imitation rabbit fur collar" and materials identified as "faux fur."
The jacket, part of a clothing line by celebrity rapper and music producer Sean "Diddy" Combs, was not only incorrectly advertised by Macy's but also labeled as containing "raccoon" fur, which has now been found to come from a canine species known as raccoon dog.
Macy's has reportedly pulled the mislabeled Sean John garments from its department stores and online shop, but The HSUS is calling on Diddy and other designers and retailers to stop using and selling fur trim altogether.
Previous tests conducted by The HSUS on fur-trimmed jackets from a range of other retailers and designers revealed the same problem—raccoon dog fur from China mislabeled as being from a different species, either "raccoon" or "coyote."
The mislabeling of a fur product is a violation of federal law.
China has no animal welfare laws. Animals killed for their fur in China—dogs, raccoon dogs and others—often face horrible abuse, and are too often skinned alive.
hsus
Update!
Sean "Diddy" Combs notified The HSUS through a representative Dec. 22 that the Sean John snorkel jacket containing raccoon dog fur (see video of raccoon dogs killed for fur) was being pulled from sales, and in the future, the garment will be made with faux fur trim only.
"I was completely unaware of the nature of this material, but as soon as we were alerted, the garments were pulled off the Macy's floor and website," Combs said. "I have instructed our outerwear licensee to cease the production of any garments using this material immediately. I appreciate the tireless work that the Humane Society does and would like to thank them for bringing attention to this issue."
The HSUS and the Sean John company are discussing the company's broader policy on fur trim.
