Gwyneth Paltrow claims she was tricked into wearing fur

When Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in an advertisement for an Italian fashion company draped in fur (pictured) it prompted a swift and angry response from animal rights groups. Now the actress has come up with an explanation: she was tricked.

Responding to a question from PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – Paltrow said: "It was a day-long photoshoot on a boat near Capri, and there were all sorts of poses with all kinds of clothes – none with fur.

During one set-up, a stylist came up from behind and draped a stole around my shoulders. I didn't pay much attention to it, and when I noticed it was fur I assumed it was fake fur but did not ask, so it's my fault. I know it's not a great excuse."

Needless to say, not everyone is convinced. "Gwyneth's explanation rings hollow," Andrew Tyler of Animal Aid told the Independent on Sunday. "She's had three months to set the record straight and only excuses herself when cornered. It seems it's all the fault of the stylist."