Reese Witherspoon gives up python-skin handbag amid PETA protest

Reese Witherspoon has apparently promised to stop carrying a python-skin handbag after coming under fire from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The actress received complaints from the animal rights group after being photographed carrying the snake-skinned accessory in Venice Beach, CA this week.

PETA has now claimed that Witherspoon promised them she'd never carry the bag in public again after watching a video on animal cruelty, which was narrated by her Walk The Line co-star Joaquin Phoenix.

Wendy Wegner, a PETA rep, said: "We've long known Reese to be a kind person, so we're pleased - and not surprised - that she is hanging up her python bag for good.

"We hope Reese's honest mistake will serve as a reminder for all of us to be extra-certain that what we're buying is mock crock or fake snake."

The group has promised to send Witherspoon a bouquet of flowers in return for her understanding.

PETA recently called on director Cameron Crowe to include a warning about animal cruelty in his upcoming film We Bought A Zooe, a family comedy starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.

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