Rihanna has been branded "creepy" and a "freak" by animal rights campaigners after she took to the streets of London on Thursday wearing a pair of snakeskin boots.

The We Found Love hit-maker, who is on a promotional visit to the U.K., was photographed outside the Rose nightclub in central London sporting a pair of thigh-high black-and-white boots apparently made from reptile hide.

However, her fashion choice has angered officials at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who have spoken out to brand Rihanna's footwear "callous".

In a reference to the singer's recent tearful appearance on Oprah Winfrey's talk show, during which she wept as she recalled her doomed romance with R&B star Chris Brown, a PETA spokesman says, "Rihanna may not have a clue that snakes killed for boots are often nailed to a tree and skinned alive. Of course, they can't go on Oprah to cry about it."

"Wearing reptile skin is creepy and callous, and it makes her look even more out of touch. She and Lady Gaga seem so desperate to be freaks instead of recognized for their talents that you have to wonder if they realize that they are being laughed at."