Reese Witherspoon ditches python bag - Reese Witherspoon recently received a lesson about reptile torture after she was photographed with a designer purse made out of python skin, says animal rights organization PETA.

The 35-year-old actress was several days ago photographed carrying the tan Chloe bag, which retails for at least $3,800. The group said in a statement on its website that it sent her a copy of a 2010 PETA video that actor Joaquin Phoenix had narrated, which shows graphic and bloody images of dead reptiles and snakes being skinned alive (watch it here - warning: Disturbing imagery).

It is unclear where Witherspoon purchased the bag, which is available online. It is illegal to import python material into the state of California, where the actress lives with her husband and children, for commercial purposes.

PETA said Witherspoon was "dismayed to learn that the bag was made of real snakeskin and promised never to carry it again." The actress' spokesperson had no immediate comment.

Phoenix appeared alongside Witherspoon in the 2005 film "Walk The Line," which earned the actress her first and only Oscar.

vua: OTRC