Celebs weigh in on Chick-fil-A flap
UPDATE: Chick-fil-A just announced the sudden death of its longtime spokesman this morning, reportedly from a heart attack. Here is a link to that story.
A number of celebrities have joined the myriad other commentators in discussing Chick-fil-A.
“Chick Fil A is delicious, give me a #1 with cheese cut in half,” tweeted Atlanta hip hop star Big Boi, who later tweeted, “Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday in honor of the Sabbath, you know how many folk miss that chicken for 1 day.”
Roseanne Barr struck a differing tone, tweeting that anyone who dines at the restaurant chain “deserves to get the cancer that is sure to come from eating antibiotic filled tortured chickens 4Christ.” She later clarified her sentiments, saying she did not actually wish cancer on anyone. “I should have been more careful in choice of words,” she said in a follow-up tweet.
Also invoking medical conditions was celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who tweeted, “I heard #ChickFilA gives you diarrhea!”
Atlanta native Ed Helms, the actor of “The Office,” “The Hangover” and “Jeff, Who Lives at Home” note, tweeted: “Chick-Fil-A doesn’t like gay people? So lame. Hate to think what they do to the gay chickens! Lost a loyal fan.”
Celebrities Roseanne Barr, from top left, Perez Hilton, Dave Ramsey and Big Boi have weighed in on Chick-fil-A
And Mia Farrow tweeted a link to an essay on the Think Progress website that said in part, “”There is … no accurate way to reduce Chick-fil-A’s words and actions to merely defending ‘biblical principles.’ This is — in every way, shape, and form — a company proactively engaging against the interests of LGBT people, and that is the quite justified reason for outcry.”
Prominent supporters of the Atlanta-based chain include pro hockey player Tim Thomas. “I stand with Chick-fil-A,” he wrote on his Facebook page. Mike Hubbard, speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, had Chick-fil-A for breakfast today. “Treated my staff to breakfast from Chick-fil-A to support free speech, family values and delicious chicken biscuits,” he tweeted.
U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, on the other hand, tweeted, “For the record, I prefer Kentucky Fried Chicken.”
And San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee joined Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in urging the chain to stay away. “Closest Chick-fil-A to San Francisco is 40 miles away and I strongly recommend that they not try to come any closer,” Lee tweeted.
Financial guru Dave Ramsey, a bestselling author and talk-show host who sells out stadiums all across the country with his live events, tweeted his support: “I LOVE Chick-fil-A food and Dan Cathy is a personal friend. I will be buying a biscuit on Aug. 1 to tell them I love them. Join me.”
He was referring to a movement spearheaded by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is encouraging people to dine at Chick-fil-A on Aug. 1. Former presidential candidate Rick Santorum is actively supporting “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” as well. In a statement, the Rev. Billy Graham said he will participate as well.
“I … appreciate Gov. Mike Huckabee’s leadership and for encouraging Americans to support Chick-fil-A on Aug. 1,” he said. “As the son of a dairy farmer who milked many a cow, I plan to ‘Eat Mor Chikin’ and show my support by visiting Chick-fil-A next Wednesday.”
Atlanta author Jackson Pearce is urging a counter-movement on that date. “On … the day Mike Huckabee wants Chick-Fil-A supporters to patronize the restaurant, go to Chick-Fil-A. Ask for a large water and nothing else,” she said in a post on YouTube. “See if they adhere to Proverbs 25:21 (”If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”) and give it to you. If they do, yay! You took a few cents from their hate fund! If they don’t, well…I guess they’re proving their principals aren’t so ‘biblical.’”
The debate stems from Cathy’s comments regarding marriage.
“We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit,” he said in an interview with the Biblical Reporter. Here is a link to his entire statement.
While a number of economics experts pondered whether the flap will harm Chick-fil-A’s bottom line, University of Georgia marketing professor Sundar Bharadwaj told the Associated Press that it likely will weather the criticism relatively unscathed.
With more than 5.2 million Facebook fans and more than 180,000 Facebook users discussing it at the moment (according to a metrics snapshot), Chick-fil-A is certainly awash in commentary. The women on “The View” discussed it with Elisabeth Hasselbeck saying, “As citizens, if you don’t like something… you don’t have to buy anything there” and Whoopi Goldberg saying, “You don’t like what they’re doing, don’t go. But do not step on their right to have an opinion. This is still America.”
- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com
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837 comments Add your comment
Walter Little, Jr.
July 27th, 2012
9:39 am
To Richard Jones: Check Genesis 2:24, and Malachi 2:14 – 16,
mike b
July 27th, 2012
9:39 am
I could give a flip about the opinions of a bunch of celebrties regarding this matter. The only opinion that matters to me is my own.
Steve
July 27th, 2012
9:39 am
Let me ask you this, Christians – why is your divorce rate the highest in the conservative Bible belt, yet your Bible says divorce is adultery, yet nowhere does Jesus talk about “the gays.”??
Your Bible says gluttony is a sin, your body is a temple – yet here in the Bible belt, obesity is the worst in the nation.
Think. Don’t blow a gasket though…
Nice try!
July 27th, 2012
9:39 am
The gays cant touch Chick-fil-a. No matter how much they whine, this is a free (kind of) country and we are all entitled to our own opinion. How come celebrities that believe in only marriage between one man and one women are scolded by media and told they are wrong. It seems like people arent happy unless you are gay friendly. Also, who would have thought Whoopi would say that? See you @ chick fil a on wednesday!
Specialk
July 27th, 2012
9:40 am
Amen, Will and Proud American.
Skitty Fritty
July 27th, 2012
9:41 am
Steve:
Why does this issue have you so upset?
joe
July 27th, 2012
9:41 am
Please pick and choose what definition of marriage from the bible you want. There are many. I like the one about having to marry your brother s wife, or pay for a bride, or go get foreskins and pay for one. True bible believers feel free to rant.
Steve
July 27th, 2012
9:41 am
Is it a “free country” to support racism? Apparently in the South, where Jim Crowe laws stood for a century after the slaves were freed.
How is homophobia any different than any kind of bigotry or racism, and why would anyone condone that? Ignorance? Stupidity?
Brad
July 27th, 2012
9:41 am
Enter your comments here
Steve
July 27th, 2012
9:42 am
Skitty, because bigotry of any kind is wrong.
Kramer
July 27th, 2012
9:42 am
Steve, so what? Take the biblical part out of this conversation and it boils down to liberals letting people express their opinion only when it goes with their thinking and way of life. By the way, who would you rather have on your side in a debate. The owner of Chick-Fil-A or Paris Hilton. Hell, I will throw in Rosie and Ed Helms and spot you an hour to express your side and give Truestt 10 minutes. He would crush you with logic while your side would spew hate and non-sense.
FIGHT ON USC
July 27th, 2012
9:42 am
If we worried about how ceo’s think, we’d never eat or shop anywhere. Ever since i moved here in 1997, I heard about Truett Cathy being a racist, now I am a black man and I really dont care if he is or isnt..just have my butter biscuits and sweet tea ready for breakfast…
Dre
July 27th, 2012
9:43 am
Huh, here I always thought chickfila encouraged hot pickles between greasy buns!
BGreen
July 27th, 2012
9:43 am
If it bothers you to the level of not wanting to go, then don’t go. If it pleases you to the point of wanting to make you go, then go. Diversity allows them to have opinions that may be different from others. One must admit that comments like Rosane Barr’s are filled with hate (wishing cancer on diners) moreso than a businessman simply saying that his beliefs are in line with his faith. Whoopie Goldberg’s comments are what America is all about – everyone has a right to their beliefs….just know that one’s freedoms ends when it imposes upon another’s. Last I checked no one is forced to go to Chik-Fil-A. Last I checked, no one isn’t allowed to go to Chick-Fil-A. Keep me posted if anything changes.
Skitty Fritty
July 27th, 2012
9:43 am
Steve:
How is Mr. Cathy a bigot?
Brad
July 27th, 2012
9:43 am
Everyone ignorantly bashing Chick-Fil-A needs to stop putting gas in their car….in OPEC nations they kill homosexuals.
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
July 27th, 2012
9:43 am
Who gives a rat’s ass what that douchebag, Rosanne Barr and these other liberal idiots think about Chic Fil A.
Dan Cathy took a stand for something he believes in and something his dad & founder and a great humanitarian Truett believes in! Great for them, marriage is a vow that is to be honored by my GOD & is defined as: a union between a man & a woman not Adam & Steve!
Good riddance if these liberal idiots don’t eat the most wonderful southern delight in the World! Glad they won’t be eating them, more for us!!!
I am a god fearing catholic and LOVE that they Are not open on Sunday to honor God, Sabbath-On the last day they rested and honored GOd, Family!!!
You HAVE TO STAND for something or you’ll fall for anything!
Shut your pie hole Rosanne, (ANTI-Christ) and The Office, punk…who cares what they think, Go Dave Ramsey, Financial genius and All around great guy, supporter. Kudos!!
BTW, Weena you can carry your Northern ASS, Black or White back up to NYC and congesting our traffic. Loser… U Can’t Fix Stupid!!!
Kramer
July 27th, 2012
9:44 am
Truett is no more a racist then Paris Hilton is a genius.
Katdaddy13
July 27th, 2012
9:44 am
Didn’t GOD destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because gayness was running rampent? CFA I admire you for standing on your beliefs and principles. Jesus said “you will be persecuted for my names sake” This is a prime example of it. Stay strong and steeped in GODS word.
BGreen
July 27th, 2012
9:44 am
If it bothers you to the level of not wanting to go, then don’t go. If it pleases you to the point of wanting to make you go, then go. Diversity allows them to have opinions that may be different from others. One must admit that comments like Rosane Barr’s are filled with hate (wishing cancer on diners) moreso than a businessman simply saying that his beliefs are in line with his faith. Whoopie Goldberg’s comments are what America is all about – everyone has a right to their beliefs….just know that one’s freedoms ends when it imposes upon another’s. Last I checked no one is forced to go to Chik-Fil-A. Last I checked, no one isn’t allowed to go to Chick-Fil-A. Keep me posted if anything changes.
Skitty Fritty
July 27th, 2012
9:44 am
big·ot·ry/ˈbigətrē/
Noun:
Bigoted attitudes; intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself.
Steve – Aren’t you intolerant towards Mr. Cathy’s opinions? Who is the real Bigot?
Common Cents
July 27th, 2012
9:44 am
I would definitely submit that there is a fundament theology difference between Judaism and Christianity; yet both Jew and Christians eat at restaurants and patronize businesses that are owned by the other. Ever Worn Levi Strauss jeans? Bought a Robert Weil watch? Done business with any of the Koch Industries businesses? If you are a Christian and you have done any of those things, you have done business with a privately owned Jewish business. Want to guess what kind of organizations they donate to? You got it- many organizations that work towards promoting Jewish ideology.
This in no way shape or form indicates that they are discriminating against me because I believe in the Messiah. No more so that the Jewish employees at Chick-Fil-A are discriminated against because they don’t believe Christ is the Messiah.
This is just one more example of the people who are seeking tolerance being completely intolerant of someone else’s beliefs. Sad state of affairs…
JB
July 27th, 2012
9:44 am
steve is missing the point. mr cathy may like cattle farming also. It’s his opinion. They employ gays, they serve gays…………and do it well with a smile. lighten up Francis.
Robert Lane
July 27th, 2012
9:45 am
I have not heard a single critic of Chick-fil-A argue that the company and it’s representatives don’t have a “right to their opinion.” Of course they have a right to their opinion. To defend them by saying so is a red herring. The question has never been whether they have a right to hold the opinion that they do. The question is whether that opinion is stupid and bigoted, and the answer is that it is. People who oppose mixed-race marriage have the right to hold stupid and bigoted opinions about race, but the fact that they have that right doesn’t make those opinions any less abhorrent.
Isn't It Ironic ...
July 27th, 2012
9:45 am
… that I went to CFA yesterday and the place was packed. ITP ATL and there were lots of Hispanic and AA families scarfing down some food. It must be because the Peach milkshake is back!
Sheri
July 27th, 2012
9:45 am
While I do not share the same views on “marriage” or religion with the Chic-fil-a folks, I do overwhelmingly support their right to express what they believe in. Personally, I do not base my restaurant choice on anything more that good service and quality food. If you disagree with their beliefs and feel so strongly about it that it drives you to not visit their restaurants…that is your right..funny thing about RIGHTS…we all have them. In the long run…Chic-fil-a is not going to be hurt by this.
For me…I’ll have a Chargrill Chicken Sandwich, Waffle Fries and a Diet Coke…best lunch in town.
bookman parrot
July 27th, 2012
9:45 am
Liberal hypocrisy in action!!! If you don’t agree with their opinion, then you are some kind of “phobe”.
Liberals love to quash your opinion if it doesn’t agree with them.
Drudge
July 27th, 2012
9:45 am
Folks, they aren’t oppressing anyone, they are expressing an opinion. They haven’t taken any negative action against homosexuals, they just have a different belief system. America is so messed up right now that someone not sharing your beliefs is “hate.” You don’t believe in Jesus, I don’t think you “hate” Christians… You don’t like Chikfila? Go to Wendy’s or the millions of other options. It’s that easy.
ASHCAN!!!!
July 27th, 2012
9:45 am
@ Proud American, read romans 1:18-32 and ask yourself are you really a christian from saying it or living it. A form of Godliness is a person who proclaim God but go against His commandments and order. Again, im not judging because God is the only judge. Im just giving you word and see if you challenge God against what you THINK whats right.
Sheri
July 27th, 2012
9:46 am
Oh and one more thing…Since when is Perez Hilton a celebrity?
Kramer
July 27th, 2012
9:46 am
Steve
July 27th, 2012
9:41 am
Is it a “free country” to support racism? Apparently in the South, where Jim Crowe laws stood for a century after the slaves were freed.
How is homophobia any different than any kind of bigotry or racism, and why would anyone condone that? Ignorance? Stupidity?
It is racism to not support gay marriage. Look up the definition of racism moron. You are living up to the expectations of liberals with your every post.
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
July 27th, 2012
9:46 am
OMG, Whoopi and I agree on something, OUCH-didn’t see that coming-Go Whopeee, She like’s white meat, too (Ted Danson)…lol
JB
July 27th, 2012
9:46 am
See steve, the difference is Christians love everyone. Gays have a lot of hate. lot’s of it. Who’s the next boycott. You would be shocked at who agrees with him.
bookman parrot
July 27th, 2012
9:46 am
to me “libs” are the true bigots.
SAM IS IN THE BUILDING!
July 27th, 2012
9:47 am
Let me get this right…Anyone who says anything against gays and lesbians is immediately given the death sentence…Is this the case? It appears to be! To all in the Lesbian and Gay community, the time has come for all of you to grow some thicker skin. Americans are evolving but know that we are still a work in progress, there is no need to declare war everytime someone says or writes a comment against your personal beliefs. Based on recent polls, the overall majority of Americans actually support gay marraige. A Southern CEO of a business is against Gay Marraige, tell me it ain’t so!
Kramer
July 27th, 2012
9:48 am
You hit it on the head bookman parrot. They own the market on bigotry and hate. Slave ownership is not over. The white democrat politician is one of the largest slave owners in the world.
Phil
July 27th, 2012
9:49 am
Proud American,
With respect, have you read Exodus 20:14, Cor. 6:9, Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, etc. How do you reconcile what God says with your beliefs. There are some versses in the Bible that can be interperted, these are not among them.
Robert Lane
July 27th, 2012
9:49 am
I am Intolerant of anyone that disagrees with my viewpoint. How dare any of you bigots question my rights to marry a farm animal. Chick fil A is denying my rights!
Billie
July 27th, 2012
9:49 am
“Billie, that’s your opinion that they should have the same rights. The breakdown of the traditional family and single, non working, non productive mothers having kids with no dad in sight, is a huge problem for our society.”
I never said they didn’t have a right to their opinion, I said they don’t have the right to put forth so much money against the community having their rights. And they don’t have the right to not hire gays/lesbians, single mothers, or people who are divorced when they know these things about them. And, not all single mothers are like that, I was a single mother and I’ve had a job since I was 15 years old, and now I am the mother of 5 and been married for 22 years.
“GAYS SPREAD AIDS. CHICK FIL A SPREADS GODS WORD” & “ADAM AND EVE NOT ADAM AND STEVE. IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT AIDS”
Wow, those are probably the most moronic posts I’ve ever seen.
BTW: http://www.avert.org/origin-aids-hiv.htm
Even if they haven’t come right out and said they hate gay people, their actions speak quite well for them, duh.
Juan
July 27th, 2012
9:50 am
All I can see is that the people in here complaining are either Gay or Lesbians….. You dissagree because deep down inside you know that Chik-fil-A is right and that being homosexual is wrong….. it doesn’t matter if you don’t believe in God…. he knows is wrong and just because you ignore it does not make it right………God Bless Chik-fil-A!!!!!!
ASHCAN!!!!
July 27th, 2012
9:50 am
@STEVE, where did you get those stitistics(Christians the highest divorce rate) from??? Where do i go and find those stats??? Is that just your opinion from contention??? and also everybody who cry LORD LORD don’t mean that there a christian(Saved).
EatMorChikin
July 27th, 2012
9:51 am
Just threw down a chicken biscuit for breakfast. I think I’ll order a number 3 with a sweet tea for lunch. I am a gay man with a monogamous partner for the last 15 years. While my view point may differ on the topic, I fully appreciate and respect Chick-fil-A’s willingness to publicly state and adhere to their faith. Dan’s comments were respectful and supportive of each individual’s right to choice. That point seems to be lost in the media rhetoric.
dont hate
July 27th, 2012
9:51 am
WATCH ETHOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSS
July 27th, 2012
9:52 am
I am a gay person and I have worked directly with Dan Cathy. I found him to be smart, savvy, forward thinking and above all deliberate when it came to marketing his brand. Trust me, he knows exactly what he is doing… do I think he is a truly biblical man? No. I just think he is a brilliant marketer.
Juan
July 27th, 2012
9:53 am
@ Proud American…………… Are you serious????? Gay Christian??????? my friend, there is no such thing
na
July 27th, 2012
9:53 am
the mayor of Chicago and Bostons sound like hateful bitter people who should not be representing the public.
The mayor of Chicago showed his crude Ill will, his hateful mind, his disdain for people while working in the Whited House——— amazed that the people of Chicago made him mayor.
ohh ohh ohh keep Chick fil A out of Chicago because the owner of Chick fil A is married to a woman———— and believes that is how it should be……. Maybe the mayor of Chicago should round up all the heterosexuals in Chicago and make them leave Chicago————- what an idiot
Sick-Fil-A
July 27th, 2012
9:54 am
Chik-Fil-A = unhealthy and nasty! That they are also bigots filled with hate and even in this day are still opposed to civil rights for all, well, just another reason to avoid that greasy, nasty fast food.
Kramer
July 27th, 2012
9:56 am
Sick-Fil-A
July 27th, 2012
9:54 am
Chik-Fil-A = unhealthy and nasty! That they are also bigots filled with hate and even in this day are still opposed to civil rights for all, well, just another reason to avoid that greasy, nasty fast food.
Well said, if you are a uneducated liberal moron. You must be.
Common Cents
July 27th, 2012
9:56 am
Billie
never said they didn’t have a right to their opinion, I said they don’t have the right to put forth so much money against the community having their rights. And they don’t have the right to not hire gays/lesbians, single mothers, or people who are divorced when they know these things about them. And, not all single mothers are like that, I was a single mother and I’ve had a job since I was 15 years old, and now I am the mother of 5 and been married for 22 years.
The are not trying to discriminate aainst homosexuals. They did not say they would not hire them. Aain, I am sure Chick-Fil-A has had (and will continue to have) many gay employees. They serve homosexuals their food. They employ Jewish people (I have Jewish friends who work for CFA)
They employ single mothers. The list goes on and on. So since they are not discriminating in their workplace, they are not breaking the law.
Law School 101~ If you believe in the first amendment, it gives you the right to express your opinon WITHOUT FEAR OF PERSECUTION. However, I have to be prepared for someone to stand rght next to me screaming the exact opposite of what I believe.
Proud American
July 27th, 2012
9:57 am
To ASHCAN!!!! “A form of Godliness is a person who proclaim God but go against His commandments and order.” And I am sure you are perfect…
Untill you have walked a day in my shoes, you will never know what I have been through! Again, another so called straight expert!!! Don’t worry about me…God created me just like he did you! Just another person who thinks they can change a persons sexual orientaion. Do you think with some training you could “turn gay”??? I think not! If you want to toss out Bible verses then go stand outside of Hooter’s and the TIlted Kilt!!