Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Mary J. Blige Burger King Commercial: Pulled... Racist?


Burger King is no longer in the fast food business with Mary J. Blige.

The chain has pulled a controversial ad from the airwaves, citing a music licensing issue, but causing many to wonder if it gave in to pressure from critics who believe the spot is an insult to African-Americans.

In response to Blige standing atop a counter and singing about "crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, three cheeses, ranch dressing wrapped up in a tasty, flour tortilla," lifestyle publication Madame Noire has written an open letter to the Grammy winner that reads:

“Having a black woman sing about chicken was no mistake. They’re trying to reach the ‘urban’ (aka black) demographic and they used you. Because God knows black folk won’t buy anything unless there’s a song, and preferably a dance, attached to it.”

Salma Hayek, Jay Leno and David Beckham have also been hired to pitch this new product and Burger King claims the commercial will air again once the licensing issue is solved.

Watch above and decide for yourself: Should it be yanked?

UPDATE:  Blige has released the following statement: “I agreed to be a part of a fun and creative campaign that was supposed to feature a dream sequence. Unfortunately, that's not what was happening in that clip.

"I understand my fans being upset by what they saw. But, if you’re a Mary fan, you have to know I would never allow an unfinished spot like the one you saw go out."

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