Russell Simmons Encourages NYC Milk Ban

Inspired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s recent efforts to prohibit sales of large sodas within the city, Def Jam Recordings co-founder and outspoken vegan Russell Simmons has written a letter to city health commissioner Thomas Farley urging him to consider similar regulation of dairy products. The hip-hop pioneer penned the letter in conjunction with PETA in an effort to raise awareness about milk consumption’s connection with obesity and other health issues, citing a 2005 Harvard study. This isn’t the first time Simmons has derided dairy—in February, he released an open letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo encouraging him to switch the state’s official drink from milk to a plant-based alternative.