Russell Simmons Honored by PETA

East Hampton resident, hip-hop legend and Def Jam Records co-founder of Russell Simmons has another accolade worthy of celebration: PETA Person of the Year.

“Because he tirelessly advocates for animals and sets a positive example for others by promoting a vegan lifestyle,” the organization said, “PETA is pleased to name Russell Simmons our 2011 Person of the Year.”

From launching a clothing line, Argyleculture, that uses no fur, wool or leather to penning a letter to KFC asking the fast-food chain to improve suppliers’ chicken-slaughter practices, Simmons has long been an advocate for animal rights.

“The horrible abuse of animals is the worst karmic disaster in the history of human kind,” Simmons said in accepting the award. “The work that PETA does to combat this catastrophe is amazing. I’m truly humbled to be chosen as this year’s Person of the Year but the praise should go to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that are on the ground doing the work. I accept this honor on their behalf.”