Burlesque star Dita Von Teese has refused to stop wearing fur – despite promoting an animal-rights charity. The 34-year-old – real name Heather Renée Sweet – has been hired by PETA to promote the importance of spaying and neutering. However she claims she hasn’t been ordered to cut back on her fur affections.

She tells People.com, “PETA’s totally aware of me. I’m not working with PETA to tell people to be vegetarians or to stop wearing fur. I am there to strictly speak about spaying and neutering your pets.” The animal-rights organization admits it was aware of Von Teese’s love of fur before approaching her to star in its campaign.

A spokesman says, “She said she has some vintage furs she wears occasionally. PETA often works with a celebrity on an issue they feel comfortable supporting, whether it’s supporting spaying and neutering, or speaking out against products that are tested on animals. So they may not be an animal rights activist, but their contribution to any of our campaigns is appreciated.”