For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2006

Contact:
Angela Modzelewski 757-622-7382   

Norfolk, Va. — More than 45,000 young voters have spoken, and actor Natalie Portman and Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden have been selected as winners of the second annual "World’s Sexiest Vegetarians" online contest held by peta2—PETA’s Youth Division. Portman and Madden narrowly edged out Charmed siren Alyssa Milano and AFI’s Davey Havok, while other runners-up included Alicia Silverstone, Sage Francis, Avril Lavigne, and Liam Wilson of Dillinger Escape Plan.

Portman, who charmed moviegoers as Queen Amidala in the Star Wars prequels, topped the box office in this year’s V for Vendetta. She is the only star who’s ever won both the PETA (in 2002) and peta2 sexiest vegetarian contests—living proof that V is also for "veggie vixen". "I am a very strict vegetarian … I just really love animals and I act on my values," says Portman, who kicked the meat habit when she was 8 years old.

Madden has earned the hearts—and respect—of thousands with sentiments like "I love animals. How could you not? They’re like perfect people" and "I get a proud feeling every time I’m in a restaurant or every time I’m out somewhere and I say, ‘No. I don’t eat meat.’"

Kristen Bell and Prince took home top honors for PETA’s World’s Sexiest Vegetarians contest this year.

The complete list of vegetarian celebrities who were in the running in this year’s poll is available at peta2.com. Also featured on peta2.com are celebrity interviews, message boards, merchandise, downloadable voice-mail recordings, and chances to win great prizes like free concert tickets, iPods, and more.