Stars Shine

// Credit: Splash

Alicia Silverstone chatted about vegan eating on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to an audience of 2 million. While Emily Deschanel walked the red carpet at MFA’s Hidden Heroes Gala, she stopped every few feet to do an interview, participate in an Instagram story, or pose with a copy of VegNews.

Celebrities, they’re just like us.

In heart and passion, absolutely; but in reach, celebrities and online influencers can have a single post seen by millions.

The inspiring stars who support MFA draw eyes and open hearts to our investigation footage and campaigns.

They apply public pressure in campaigns, which helps get companies to sit down at the table with us, and they show how fun, easy, and kind vegan living is.

For years famous names have added energy and urgency to MFA campaigns and investigations.

James Cromwell is a decades-long champion for animals. James narrated MFA’s Farm to Fridge video, which millions have viewed. He’s also spoken out against Walmart’s treatment of pigs and attended eye-catching protests. He has written letters to companies urging change for animals and never misses an opportunity to speak about protecting animals.

Another longtime friend to animals, TV legend Candice Bergen started a petition to Tyson that garnered more than half a million signatures.

In an MFA video, Joaquin Phoenix called on Walmart to be a leader for animals.

Other celebrities joined in by signing a letter to Walmart’s CEO. Ryan Gosling, Kristen Bell, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Deschanel, Kim Basinger, David Boreanaz, Ed Begley Jr., John Francis Daley, James Cromwell, Tom Morello, Steve-O, and Loretta Swit urged the corporation to end the sale of pork from producers that confined pigs in cages so small the animals couldn’t even turn around.

After the video, letter, and more than 150 protests, Walmart issued a sweeping animal welfare policy that reduces suffering for millions of chickens, pigs, and cows.

Celebrities have also come to the defense of chickens killed for McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Alexandra Paul, Alison Eastwood, Andrew Keegan, Rick Cosnett, Patricia De Leon, Nellie McKay, Moby, and others have all called on the company to implement reforms.

In Mexico, actor Eugenio Derbez brought international attention to MFA video footage showing some of the most brutal animal abuse ever recorded inside slaughterhouses.

In videos narrated by the actor, MFA called on Mexico’s congress to pass legislation banning the worst abuses. The measure passed two committees and one side of congress. It awaits a vote in the senate.

Whether it’s musicians Moby, Tony Kanal, and Davey Havok mesmerizing fans with their high-energy performances at Circle V or actors Alicia Silverstone, Maggie Q, Sarah Jeffery, Kimberly Elise, Matt Lauria, and Stephanie Corneliussen striking a pose on our Hidden Heroes Gala red carpet, MFA celeb supporters know how to make vegan living look fierce.

Circle V, the first-ever vegan music festival, is co-organized by Moby and Tony Kanal.

In past years Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Mena Suvari, Harley Quinn Smith, Mýa, Allison Scagliotti, Fiona Gubelmann, and others stopped by to grab vegan bites and show their support.

Kat Von D brought her well-known makeup pop-up shop. Kathy Freston, Chef Babette Davis, Rich Roll, Dotsie Bausch, and Kip Andersen joined a powerful lineup of event speakers.

At night Dreamcar, Moby, Waka Flocka Flame, and others jammed out on stage.

This year more than 50 celebrities and online influencers attended MFA’s Hidden Heroes Gala in Los Angeles.

Their love and support for MFA’s undercover investigators were inspiring, and their presence drew media to our red carpet and sparked a wave of awareness on social media. We need every voice we can get for animals.