(Denis Makarenko/Shutterstock.com)

Vegan Joaquin Phoenix Accused Of Harming The Mental Health Of Farmers

In the wake of his recent viral Oscars acceptance speech, Joaquin Phoenix has been criticised for impacting the mental health of farmers.

President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Minette Batters claims that Phoenix — and other celebrity vegans — are causing “enormous damage” to the wellbeing of those in the livestock industry.

“Real-Life Consequences”

“Celebrities have to be careful…there are real-life consequences for others,” said Batters.

“Joaquin Phoenix, he’s had a really challenging life, and you really feel for him and a lot of the things he was saying, but he has to remember there are people at the end of this, there are small family farms and they get hurt too.”

The NFU says farmers are under pressure because of vegans (Photo: TORWAISTUDIO/Shutterstock.com)

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“Veganism is something of an easy target at the moment,” said a spokesperson for the Vegan Society.

“There are many causes of mental health issues and stress in farming and I haven’t seen evidence, a piece of research, showing that veganism is one of them.”

PETA responded to the NFU claims to point out that animals are the ones who are truly suffering.

“Fear And Distress”

“We can’t turn a blind eye to the visible fear and distress shown by animals raised for their flesh, milk and eggs,” said Dawn Carr, the director of vegan corporate projects at PETA.

“They have no choice, but farmers do: instead of sending sentient animals to slaughter, they can sow oats or soya beans or grow vegetables, grains, nuts or fruits instead, depending on the quality of their land.”

The actor has followed a plant-based diet since he was three years old (Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com)

Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar Speech

In his Oscars acceptance speech, Phoenix spoke of how humans “go into the natural world and plunder it for its resources.”

“We feel entitled to artificially inseminate a cow and steal her baby,” he said, “even though her cries of anguish are unmistakeable.”

“Then we take her milk that’s intended for her calf and we put it in our coffee and our cereal.”

Do you think vegans should be held accountable for the emotional wellbeing of farmers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!