Gwyneth Paltrow is trying to get back in animal rights activists' good books - by apologizing to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' vice president for endorsing a collection of luxury fur goods.

The actress came under fire from PETA and animal rights campaigners after she appeared in Italian designer Tod's advertising campaign draped in fox fur and wearing fur-lined boots.

A spokesperson said at the time that they had written to the star many times about the treatment of animals used for fur, but their contact had been rebuffed. However the 35-year-old, who has previously won praise for her and husband Chris Martin's green credentials, made amends for her fashion faux pas by telling PETA vice president Dan Mathews she didn't realized the fur was real.

Mathews tells Usweekly.com the star approached him at the Fontainebleau Hotel opening party in Miami, Florida at the weekend to give her side of the story.

He reveals, "(Paltrow said), that was awkward, and I'm glad you asked, because I do not wear fur at all. It was a daylong photo shoot 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 shoulder."

"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, but I hope you and your members understand."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)