October 31, 2008 12:33

PETA to stand by Russell Brand despite BBC ban

Animal rights organisation insist comedian will follow Paul McCartney and co

Animal rights organisation PETA have vowed to stand by Russell Brand despite being swamped by calls and emails from people protesting his involvement in their 'Vegetarian Starter Kit'.

The former Shockwaves NME Awards host appears on the new cover of their new booklet, following on from the likes of Paul McCartney.

However, the organisation's director Robbie LeBlanc says that PETA will continue to back Brand, despite the controversy which has followed his recent resignation from BBC Radio 2 after a lewd call made on his show to actor Andrew Sachs.

"The cover will have him on it because Mr Sachs, who is also a PETA supporter, has accepted Mr Brand's apology, and that's good enough for us," he explained.

Russell Brand has twice been named PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity, claiming the prize in 2006 and 2007.