Russell Simmons speaks out against KFC

Hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons is joining other celebrities and activists in a call for boycotts against Kentucky Fried Chicken. He called slaughter practices used by the fast-food chain's suppliers "grossly inhumane" and has filmed a commercial "showing some of the very worst abuses chickens undergo" before they are served to customers, the Daily News reported Sunday. Simmons, who is chairman of Def Jam Records said he has talked to officials of Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, and said he will release the ad and start a boycott if the company does not reform its practices. The chain has about 250 within the five boroughs. "When a company targets our community, disrespects us as consumers and sells us products ridden with negative energy and laced with toxins, that is our business," said Simmons. Other celebrities and activists have also raised their voices against KFC including Rev. Al Sharpton, Dick Gregory, Pamela Anderson and Paul McCartney. [more]