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by Alix Coe | February 27, 2020

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.

Celebrities have to be carefulthere are real-life consequences for others, said Batters.

Joaquin Phoenix, hes 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.

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 havent 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.

We cant 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.

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

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

Then we take her milk thats 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!

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Pro-Vegan Joaquin Phoenix Accused Of Harming The Mental Health Of Farmers - Raise Vegan