Pamela Anderson has taken the fight against foie gras to the gourmet capital of the world — France.
The actress appeared at the National Assembly of France on Tuesday, calling on officials to ban the force feeding of ducks and geese during a raucous press conference that included a major media scrum.
Foie gras is produced by force-feeding corn to ducks and geese in order to enlarge their livers.
“I as a Canadian, have come to France to voice my opposition to an industry that is equally as cruel as the baby seal massacre — the cruel treatment and slaughter of ducks and geese for another non-essential luxury product,” Anderson said.
France produces more than 20,000 tons of foie gras each year, according to animal rights group Animal Equity.
Others have tried to ban the dish. California did so in 2012, but a federal judge overturned that decision in January 2015. Foie gras producers had argued that the ban was unconstitutional.
Video of Tuesday’s press conference showed a large group reporters jostling to get a clear view of the former Baywatch star.
In a statement, Anderson said she was inspired by Brigitte Bardot’s 1977 trip to Canada to raise awareness of baby seal killings.
— Aaron Smith contributed to this report