A recent marketing campaign by &pizza featuring “Marion Barry Knots” has ignited controversy and protests in Washington, D.C. Activists and local leaders are calling for a boycott of the pizza chain after its promotion of the new item, which references the drug arrest of former mayor Marion Barry.
The controversy began at a reveal party held at Hotel Hive, where &pizza introduced the “Marion Berry Knots,” a dessert made from the same dough used for their other pizza knots. While the promotion aimed to celebrate D.C.’s political scene, it quickly drew criticism for its focus on Barry’s past struggles with drug addiction.
The marketing materials included references to Barry’s history, including a statement claiming the knots had “enough powdered sugar that will have customers bumping elbows to order and even force the DEA to look twice.” This statement drew sharp rebuke, especially from local leaders.
At-Large D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson called the marketing “tone deaf and hella disrespectful.” Similarly, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White condemned the promotion as a “shameless and tasteless exploitation” of Barry’s legacy, calling for a boycott of the pizza chain.
Cora Masters Barry, the widow of Marion Barry, expressed her outrage, stating, “I just think it’s racist. In this city, it is outrageously racist.”
David Burns, the new CEO of &pizza, acknowledged in an earlier statement that the campaign may have gone “too far.” However, he has not issued an apology or removed the knots from the menu. Instead, he downplayed the criticism, emphasizing that the item is based on a marionberry, a fruit.
Chef Erik Bruner-Yang, who previously worked with &pizza, criticized Burns for “doubling down” on the marketing. He stated, “It’s racist and insensitive to the history of Washington, D.C.”
On Wednesday, a rally was organized by Ronald Moten of Don’t Mute DC and other local activists under the hashtag #KNOTINDC. Moten criticized Burns and urged D.C. residents to avoid the pizza chain’s ten locations in the city.
“This ain’t one person. This ain’t two persons. This not black. This not white. This is Washington, D.C., and we’re here to tell you: not in D.C.,” Moten declared during the rally.
Related Topics
- New Italian Sandwich Shop Opening in Downtown Vancouver
- Fast-Food Chains Remove Fresh Onions After E. Coli Outbreak
- Pizza Hut Partners with ITC to Introduce New Sunfeast Beverages
