PETA responds to Gordon Ramsay's announcement he is going vegan

The animal welfare group had a surprising response to the news that the top chef was dabbling in veganism

Chelsea Ritschel
in New York
Thursday 19 April 2018 19:20 EDT
Comments
I went vegan for 10 weeks and this is what it did to my mind and body

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Renowned meat lover Gordon Ramsay shocked the world this week when he announced he would be giving “this vegan thing a try” - and now animal charity PETA has responded.

Coinciding with the opening of his new London pizza restaurant, the three-Michelin-star chef, who is notorious for his vegan and vegetarian-hating ways, backtracked on his former views and tweeted: “Going to give this #vegan thing a try… Yes guys you heard that right. Gx.”

Alongside the surprising news, Ramsay posted a photo of what appeared to be a vegan pizza offered at his new restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza.

However, one group that was not surprised by the 51-year-old chef’s announcement was animal welfare organisation Peta.

Of Ramsay’s lifestyle change, Peta president Ingrid Newkirk told The Independent: “PETA knew that Hell would not have to freeze over before Gordon Ramsay gave the best food in the world a try: vegan food.

“We're hoping it seduces him as it has so many other chefs and mortals of all types, who become much healthier in heart, body, and mind as a result.”

Ramsay has previously faced backlash for his anti-vegan comments on social media from vegans and animal advocacy groups alike.

His most recent controversy involved a vegan lasagne, which the chef had responded to with: “I’m a member of PETA ! People eating tasty animals.”

While most commenters were supportive of the top chef’s decision to switch to a vegan lifestyle, which has been liked over 30,000 likes, others questioned whether Ramsay’s Twitter account had been hacked.

“If you’re being held hostage by a vegan give us a signal,” wrote one concerned fan.

But, according to Peta’s tweet, they “knew this day would come.”

“Keep on adding #vegan options to your restaurant menus,” they advised the chef on Twitter.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in