Burger King removes 'racist' advert of people eating burgers with chopsticks
Burger King has taken down a controversial advertisement after complaints of racism.
The advert in question, which debuted on Instagram in New Zealand, shows diners struggling to eat the new ‘Vietnamese Sweet Chilli Tender Crisp Burger’ with giant chopsticks.
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In response to the promotion, one social media user reposted the ad on Twitter alongside the caption [sic]: “So this is the new Burger King ad for a ‘Vietnamese’ burger ok coolcoolcoolcoolcool CHOPSTICKS R HILARIOUS right omg etc.”
So this is the new Burger King ad for a “Vietnamese” burger ok coolcoolcoolcoolcool CHOPSTICKS R HILARIOUS right omg etc 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃 pic.twitter.com/zVD8CN04Wc
— 마리아. Maria. (@mariahmocarey) April 4, 2019
She added, “I’m so sick of racism. Of any kind. Of the kind that makes fun of different cultures, to the kind that shoots and murders those peacefully praying in their place of worship. Say no to every single manifestation of it.”
I’m so sick of racism. Of any kind. Of the kind that makes fun of different cultures, to the kind that shoots and murders those peacefully praying in their place of worship. Say no to every single manifestation of it. #GiveNothingToRacism.
— 마리아. Maria. (@mariahmocarey) April 7, 2019
The tweet soon amassed over 3,6000 retweets with fellow social media users calling out Burger King for the advertisement:
I find this commercial very offensive. Shame on Burger King & their disgusting burgers.
— who said that? (@theejallion) April 6, 2019
*checking the calendar to see what year it is*
— Infinite Perspective (@burkinator20xx) April 6, 2019
?????? I can’t believe companies actually still think things like this is even remotely funny or even able to sell @BurgerKing
— Kehnee (@kehnee) April 7, 2019
What are these weird eating utensils??? Isnt it funny how weird they are?? Only crazy people and aliens must use such things! Look how big they are Whoaoaoa.
Spare me.
— Anonomthug (@Anonmothug) April 6, 2019
While others, drew reference to a now-famous 2018 Dolce and Gabbana advertisement which showed an Asian model attempting to eat Italian food with chopsticks.
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The video, which was posted on the brand’s Instagram page, was eventually taken down and the fashion house issued an apology.
Remember when this worked really well for Dolce and Gabbana? Literally six months ago? pic.twitter.com/CfP0zfPPtI
— Amy Green (@amy_green) April 5, 2019
I thought brands learned their lesson after the D&G chopsticks fiasco….😒
Then again I’m not surprised… pic.twitter.com/Ntc3CKlblg
— Lord of Lightsabers (@TatianaKing) April 5, 2019
Burger King has since taken down the advert and apologised.
“We have asked our franchise in New Zealand to remove the ad immediately,” the statement read.
The campaign was also described as “insensitive” with the food chain emphasising that the ad “does not reflect our brand values regarding diversity and inclusion”.
