Rod Stewart slammed for wearing sealskin coat in Canada

He releases a statement denying he knew what the material was

Published 15th Jul 2015

Legendary crooner Rod Stewart has found himself at the centre of a storm after being pictured wearing sealskin in Canada.

Ahead of his outdoor gig at Confederation Hill in St John’s, Newfoundland, the 70-year-old went shopping for a coat due to an unexpected cold snap.

Controversy erupted when a shop called Always in Vogue posted a photo on Twitter of Rod apparently wearing sealskin while stood next to a staff member.

Rod has since been branded “vile” and has faced a backlash on social media from irate animal lovers.

In the face of the storm, Rod’s representatives have released a statement on Facebook claiming he “didn’t check out what the jacket was made out of” and “had no intention of buying it.”

The full statement reads:

On Saturday Rod Stewart landed in St. Johns Canada to headline an outdoor summer festival. As the weather was much colder than previously thought a wardrobe assistant recommended a shop near the venue that was kind enough to loan the backing singers some red jumpers to keep them warm on stage. On their way out, the store clerk wanted to take a photo with Rod and asked if he would pose in one the store’s jackets and Rod obliged. He was not being fitted for it as has been alleged and had no intention of buying it.

Rod regrets that he didn't check what the jacket was made of but was so grateful for the shop's help, he did not. Rod has since been very upset to learn that the shop has been using this image as an advertisement for an industry that he does not know much about and certainly does not support.

Rod went there to play music and as always had an absolute blast performing to the people of Canada.