Animal Rights Group Sues O'Donnell

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) â€” An animal rights group is suing Rosie O'Donnell for saying the group endorses certain types of leather. <br><br>People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed the defamation

Wednesday, December 6th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) â€” An animal rights group is suing Rosie O'Donnell for saying the group endorses certain types of leather.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed the defamation lawsuit Tuesday.

On an episode of ``The Rosie O'Donnell Show,'' the talk show host said The Gap uses leather approved by PETA. She was apparently referring to a decision by The Gap to stop using Indian and Chinese leather after a PETA campaign highlighted alleged industry abuses in those countries.

``There's no such thing as PETA-approved leather,'' said Lisa Lange, a PETA spokeswoman.

The lawsuit seeks an on-air retraction and $350,000 in punitive damages. PETA said the group has many supporters who oppose leather and who may be less likely to support PETA after hearing O'Donnell's comment.

Laura Mandel, a spokeswoman for the show, said she was unaware of the lawsuit and could not comment.