The fur is flying

First, Burlington Coat Factory was taken to task by the Humane Society of America for stocking Baby Phat coats advertised as having faux fur trim when it was actually animal fur. The discounter yanked the goods even before DNA tests came back, which confirmed the fur came from Chinese raccoons, a species of dog.

Now Diddy acknowledges he did it, too. Sean "Puff Diddy" Combs says Chinese raccoon was used on Sean John hooded snorkel jackets sold in Macy's -- but he didn't know it.

"I was completely unaware of the nature of this material, but as soon as we were alerted, the garments were pulled off the Macy's floor and Web site," he says. "I have instructed our outwear licensee to cease the production of any garments using this material immediately. I appreciate the tireless work that the Humane Society does and would like to thank them for bringing attention to this issue."

This reminds me of the flap years ago after news reports that Kathie Lee Gifford's line of clothing was produced in sweatshops. Gifford, too, used the "I didn't know" defense.

The rub is celebrities who lend their names to products have an obligation to make themselves aware of the materials and labor that go into their products. If they don't want to do their homework, let them go back to rapping.