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
Dirty Dawg
July 27th, 2012
1:06 pm
Seems to me that Dan Cathy should have practiced some of Michael Jordan’s rationale about why he didn’t get involved in controversial issues…to wit: ‘Republicans buy shoes too.’. Remember Dan, Liberals eat chicken too.
Besides, contributing big bucks to groups that denounce gays and lesbians and threatening God’s wrath because LGBTs exist in this world, isn’t just expressing an opinion, it’s being openly hostile to people, people that God created by the way. And all of it based on some obscure passage in a book of the Bible that has been largely ignored for almost two thousand years by most humans. And furthermore, Chich-Fil-a’s not Kosher. Seems to me that God, according to that same book, thinks that’s just as much of a sin as any of the other stuff.
Robert Lane
July 27th, 2012
1:07 pm
@Robert’s mom. First, you’re not my mom. (Why are contributors to this blog so afraid to use their own names?) Second, to your comment: “He owns a bussiness and as long as he does not discriminate against who he serves and employes then he can believe anything he wants.” Yes, of course he can believe anything he wants. So can I, so can you. But as I wrote in an earlier post, the question is not whether he has the right to believe, or to say, that same-sex marriage is wrong. It’s amazing how many of his defenders keep trying to change the subject by talking about his right to believe and say what he wants. The issue is whether I, as a consumer in this society, want to patronize a business owned by someone whose beliefs I find repugnant. I don’t. And I won’t. And there are lots of people who feel the same way that I do.
I don’t know whether you are a Christian or adhere to any other religion. But I suspect that there are religious views which, if expressed by a business owner or manager, would prompt you to avoid patronizing that person’s business. If the CEO of Arby’s said in an interview, “I think Christianity is stupid and all Christians are dolts!”, many people who have defended Cathey’s right to free speech, and who have asserted that his stance against gay marriage should have nothing to do with whether people eat at CFA, would immediately call for a boycott of Arby’s.
Dude
July 27th, 2012
1:08 pm
So tired of these people screaming about tollerence and not being tollerent of someone they don’t agree with.
BIGMIKE
July 27th, 2012
1:09 pm
@ ROBERT LANE————–NOOOO! He means it is not anatomically Normal. It is unnatural. It is not the purpose of the sphinctor. What do you not understand here. You don’t want to admit in your own mind that you commit unnatural acts on your partner and you want approval from the rest of us? Sorry, your going to have to defend yourself at the pearly gates. No one else.
The Mind of Robert Lane
July 27th, 2012
1:09 pm
Gay people are to be honored and revered like … Olympic athletes, talented musicians, or aerospace engineers. Abnormal is superior to normal. The minority makes the rules and laws for the majority.
Keep talking Robert Lane …. you are the epitome of what represents the gay and lesbian community!
Independent Voter
July 27th, 2012
1:15 pm
Robert Lane@12:59 pm — good rebuttal.
BIGMIKE
July 27th, 2012
1:18 pm
BTW ROBERT———-The real issue isn’t where you select to eat or whose business is graced by your presence, but whom the rest of us will vote for come election day. Those responsible for this absurdity will be held to account and there will be reconning in the voting both. It’s about time the average Joe that tries to lead a normal crime free, tax paying life, had a voice. It’s time to rise up and be heard my countrymen. We need to deflate these political footballs that keep getting tossed around (i.e., gays in the military—-the next YMCA funded by the rest of us).
Science Fiction?
July 27th, 2012
1:19 pm
If there is proof that the “gay” gene does exist then why haven’t they found a way to “fix it” in a test environment? That sort of scientific discovery can rid our country of homosexuality, pedophiles, murderers, drug and alcohol addictions, etc, etc….
Let’s be realistic, there is no “gay” gene is there?
Darren
July 27th, 2012
1:20 pm
@BigMike, where do you get the idea that Robert Lane will have to defend himself at the pearly gates? Why? Do you have any proof to back that up? From where? Scripture? Do you know where/who wrote it? What the context/language/history related to the area where it was written? Or are you just repeating something you heard somewhere else? I’m serious, I want to know.
@The Mind of Robert Lane, be reasonable. RL did not say anything about gay people being revered as Olympic athletes and you know it. He said it’s not statistically “normal”. You understand statistics, right? Genetics? Haploid and diploid cells? Dominant and recessive genetic traits? Do you understand chromosomes and other basics of genetic science? You can’t have a conversation about any of these sorts of things unless you do, because it’s central to what we are talking about.
Greg
July 27th, 2012
1:20 pm
Let’s look at the one of the biggest offense, donations to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Nothing that FCA does is considered anti-gay, except Equity Matters finds two areas of contention. 1. The application form to become a leadership minister for the FCA contains an agreement to try to avoid an impure lifestyle, which among other things also includes homosexual acts. 2. One FCA minister publicly stated that finding God helped him turn away from his former gay lifestyle. His biography that was once on the FCA’s website also had this statement. This makes the FCA an anti-gay organization. This is very similar to the Boy Scouts. Where a group’s mission and activities have absolutely nothing to do with being gay/anti-gay, but the organization is highly selective and discriminate about who leads young people.
The Winshape foundation is a charitable non-profit group founded by the CEO of Chick-fil-a. It began by offering scholarship to Berry College, a small, liberal arts college in Georgia. It expanded to running summer camps, foster homes, a ROPES leadership course/challenge, and mission trips, including clean water programs and hospital renovations in Africa. It also began making donations to other charitable non-profits, including the FCA. Winshape receives most of its funding through Chick-fil-a and it’s owners.
In summary: Chick-fil-a donated money to an non-profit whose primary mission and activities have nothing to do with being gay/anti-gay. That non-profit in turn donated money to another non-profit whose mission/activities have nothing to do with being gay/anti-gay, but is highly selective and discriminate about who leads young people.
Need assistance
July 27th, 2012
1:21 pm
I need assistance here. there are people saying that Chick-fil-A said that they hate gays according to Ed Helms. Am I missing it? Where did they say they hate gays. All I see is that they support the Biblical definition of a marriage. Man and wife. I just don’t see that they came out and said they hate gays.
Talk about people twisting the words of other to met their own needs of hate. Trust me, CFA will NOT miss a beat if the gay public does not return. God is in control anyway. It’s foolish to for anyone to think that they are in total control of their own outcome. I’m mean think about it. CFA is number 1 and they are not open on Sunday. They respect the Lord’s Sabbath as told was told to in the Bible. In other words, God takes care of His faithful servants.
Needless to say I support CFA 100%!!! I’ll be there on August 1st!
Independent Voter
July 27th, 2012
1:22 pm
Roseanne Barr tweeted that anyone who dines at Chick-Fil-A “deserves to get the cancer that is sure to come from eating antibiotic filled tortured chickens 4Christ.”
In other news, Terrance Brown is suing the film studio that produced “Dark Knight Rises,” charging that some of the scenes in previous “Dark Knight” movies may have motivated James Holmes’ attack.
We are SO screwed.
CORRECTION
July 27th, 2012
1:22 pm
Robert Lane@12:59 pm — good rebuttal
More like good reBUTTal where Robert is concerned. He is a butt man afterall, breasts are not his thing. Why do you think he rejects CFA?
Darren
July 27th, 2012
1:23 pm
@Science Fiction….genetic science doesn’t work that way….at least not yet. Keep in mind that the human genome was mapped less than 20 years ago. There may be a way in the future to change genetic traits, but right now we’re not any closer to what you suggest than we are able to turn a white person into a black person, or make a 5′2″ girl 6′ tall. I would encourage you to read science journals about the progress that has been made though.
Independent Voter
July 27th, 2012
1:24 pm
Jennifer, whatever happened to that “Saul Good” psychopath that was blogging such vile hatred earlier — has he been banned from the blog, or did he just wear himself out from running around in circles chasing his own tail?
ls
July 27th, 2012
1:24 pm
Saul Good:: When you are standing at the gates of Hell on judgement day, you will be wishing you had a gallon of good cold Chick-Fil-A tea! And by the way, you can get sweet or unsweet tea.
Independent Voter
July 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
@CORRECTION — haha, I did notice the word “butt” is in the word “rebuttal,” but (butt) decided to let it go.
GaStateBen
July 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
“I doubt the chain will really miss our business. It isn’t like gay men ate there all that often anyways. That’s why we are in so much better shape than straight men.”
I thought it was the drugs that gay men take?
Robert Lane
July 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
@BIG MIKE: I suggested a way of understanding the word “abnormal” and then argued that in that sense of the word, the fact that something is abnormal does not make it bad. (@ “The Mind of Robert Lane” — nothing in what I wrote even suggested that EVERYTHING or EVERYONE abnormal is to be revered. My point was that SOME things and people who are statistically abnormal are to be revered.) BIG MIKE, you used the word “unnatural.” This is even more ambiguous that “abnormal.” Do you mean “not occurring in nature apart from human activities”? Then what you say is false; many animal species engage in homosexual activity. And even if they didn’t — even if humans were the only creatures to do so — that wouldn’t imply that it is bad, since there are lots of things that only humans do (for example, build churches) that are not necessarily bad. (If I ever do have to “defend myself at the pearly gates,” it won’t just be about my views on homosexuality; I’ve also eaten pork and shrimp, shaved, worn cotton-poly blends, and lots of other things prohibited in Christian scripture.)
@ “The Mind of Robert Lane” (again, what’s with the pseudonyms? It’s really easy to say anything you like behind a fake name, isn’t it?): You attributed to me the view that “The minority makes the rules and laws for the majority.” Nothing in what I wrote even suggest that I think that the will of a minority should always trump that of the majority. But I do feel very strongly that “the tyranny of the majority” is a real threat in any democracy. It wasn’t all that long ago that laws prohibited mixed-race couples from marrying, laws that were supported by a great many people. The majority is not always right, and its views should not be allowed to undermine the basic civil rights of minorities.
@Independent Vote: Thanks!
GaStateBen
July 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
If I had to bet, I would bet that CFA sales improve.
WWJD
July 27th, 2012
1:29 pm
“If I had to bet, I would bet that CFA sales improve.”
Wait until the total the sales on August 2nd. This will be a great blessing for CFA beause the follow the Lord.
Robert Lane
July 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
@CORRECTION: Insults aren’t arguments. It’s easy to make bad arguments while hiding behind a pseudonym; it’s easy and cowardly to hurl insults while doing so. Why not try engaging in a rational conversation with those of us with whom you disagree?
BIGMIKE
July 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
@Darren ———-No you don’t want to know and frankly I’m not intrested in spoon feeding you. It’s a fact that all of us will have to deal with sooner or later. Good luck to you.
JB
July 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
Wow. Do I now boycott Amazon after their CEO donated 2.5 million dollars to support Gay marriage today. He made that money with my Christian Support. What to do?…………. See how silly gays look. Of course I won’t.
3d
July 27th, 2012
1:36 pm
Did anyone actually expect anything different from the gutless in Hollywood?
Mama Told Me Not to Come
July 27th, 2012
1:36 pm
This is a debate that shouldn’t be. Chik-Fil-A didn’t need to weigh in and neither did the rest of the dominoes in this ordeal. I don’t care about the political views of companies or so-called “celebrities”. I as a simple customer shouldn’t have to feel like I’m taking sides or making a “statement” when I go and order a #3 with sweet tea. Give me one good reason why I should care about Chik-Fil-A’s stance or the Muppets (really?). And I am sick of “celebrities” dishing out their point of view as if the entire non-celebrity world is just waiting for their perspective so we know how to feel.
Darren
July 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
@Bigmike….you’re not interested in spoon feeding me because your citing references that you have no idea where they came from. (one verse of Leviticus and one from one of Paul’s letters, if memory serves me correct)
I don’t think anyone should be pulling random verses out of a book of 5000 year old Hebrew law without having a strong understanding of both modern and ancient Hebrew law and the history of Isreal. And unless someone here is an orthodox rabbi, that certainly isn’t us.
People should study anthropology before they start making claims about what is natural and what is unnatural, it’s a big world out there.
Alan
July 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
Who cares! Just live your life the best way you can…..to each his own!
Independent Voter
July 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
Robert, you make excellent points; however, I see a flaw in your argument regarding normalcy. Being gay is statistically abnormal, as you agreed, but I disagree that it’s abnormal in the same sense that being Olympic athletes, or are talented musicians, or aerospace engineers is. Those are achievements that anyone would commend, but being gay is not. It may be hard to understand for someone who was born gay, but homosexuality is abhorrent to many heterosexual people, just as smoking is disgusting to many non-smokers, although the smoker can’t understand why (until he quits smoking).
VOL IN BETHLEHEM
July 27th, 2012
1:43 pm
If being gay or homo is so great why may i ask are you guys dying of aids. If a man was meant to be with a man then there would’nt be aids right?
Keeping it Real
July 27th, 2012
1:44 pm
Amazing how many people comment on this blog (and other blogs) cannot engage in a civil discussion.
Darren
July 27th, 2012
1:47 pm
Maybe Robert should’ve compared homosexuality to, say, being left handed, red haired, or blue eyed. The point he was trying to make was that while not statistically common or the majority of people, it is “normal” in the sense that it occurs throughout nature and history with regularity.
Robert it is Mom
July 27th, 2012
1:54 pm
Robert it is your mom again. The point you are missing is your are bringing up all kinds of biblical facts for why all these Christians are wrong to believe in what they believe in. The point is you are not going to change anyone’s mind and they are not going to change yours. The difference is the majority are saying you are ok to have yours – that is called tolerance – you are not displaying tolerance. A private company’s owner can believe or say anything they want. They can’t discriminate. The company must make a profit to stay in business. If it offends the majority of it s customers it will fail. Eat with your pocket book but please quit trying to tell everyone they are wrong in their beliefs.
The big problem here is that the governments of Chicago and Boston are discriminating against the CFA because of their own beliefs. Not because CFA discriminates against customers or employees but because they believe differently than the owner of the company. Let the free market decide if CFA has a market in Chicago or Boston. When you grow up and start a company you too can say what you want and you can stand on your success. You can call Christian all kinds of names etc – they may or may not use buy product but if you made a chicken sandwich as good as CFA I would still come to your store. What you are trying to do is say a company should not be a loud by the government to succeed unless they believe in your lifestyle. And I agree with the earlier post that there will be no gays in the future because they will map the gene and fix it. You would want it fixed right? Because as you say who in their right mind would choose to be gay in this society. I know that’s a tough question.
Craig
July 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
To Saul – I see you love to run off at the mouth. We all will have an appointment with the Lord Jesus. I assure you that you won’t be running off at the mouth like you are doing now. As long as you are alive, you have a chance to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Understand this – you WILL acknowledge Him as Lord on the other side of eternity along with EVERYONE ELSE. Keep that in mind as you spout your ignorant nonsense. I leave you with this quote – “It is better to remain silent, and be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
Special K
July 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
Is it Aug. 1st yet?
WWJD
July 27th, 2012
1:57 pm
John 14:6
xRedfoxx
July 27th, 2012
1:57 pm
If you agree that it is completely unacceptable in the United States (or anywhere) for corrupt city officials to use their influence to shut down a business when they disagree with the owner’s religious views, please search Facebook for the group “Support Chick-Fil-A on August 1st!!” and join today!!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/162305077238155/
WWJD
July 27th, 2012
1:58 pm
@Craig – PERFECTLY SAID!
Michael
July 27th, 2012
1:58 pm
Amazon.com founder just gave $2.5 million to support gay marriage in Washington state. If gay marriage supporters are going to boycott Chick Fil A, I am going to boycott Amazon.com.
Independent Voter
July 27th, 2012
2:01 pm
I harbor no ill will towards any of the gay people I know. I live in a condominium that’s over 10% gay, and they are the nicest neighbors I have. My problem is with the GLBT community’s militant tactics, such as labeling those opposed to gay marriage as “phobes.” I’m not afraid of gay people, so please stop insulting me by inferring that my noncompliance to your agenda somehow makes me a coward.
we are animals
July 27th, 2012
2:03 pm
rad
I am an extermely happy person actually. i was angered by the person preaching there ignorant opinions full of judgement. i have the right to preach mine in the same manor. I do believe in something. i believe religion is evil, i believe in science, and i believe you are brain washed moron. i believe there is NO heaven and No hell. so am not afraid. believing this way makes everything sweeter. When you believe you only have one shot at life and every minute that goes by is one minute closer to death that makes you appreciate everything you love that much more. im am not affraid of the truth i embrace it and live my life to the fullest. i am a leader you are a follower. im gald you are happy and i appreciate your concern. dont worry about me ill be just fine
notaracist
July 27th, 2012
2:04 pm
I do not believe anyone every started that the CEO of CFA is against gays. I believe he was ask, and he gave an honest answer. I hate it when interviewers ask loaded questions, and then turn around and use the words to incite people. (That’s the nature of a Journalist) Also,I go to CFA and I do not remember seeing,a sign there that read, “gays and lesbians order at the back door”. However, I have read the sign that explains why they are closed on Sundays. Funny, most of these people already know that CFA is a Christian based Co. and they know the meaning of Christian Based. So why in the hell, is anyone so SHOCKED? I like the food, and when I can afford it, I will continue to patronize this co.
Popular Science
July 27th, 2012
2:05 pm
“it is “normal” in the sense that it occurs throughout nature and history with regularity.”
You are talking about being heterosexual. Homosexual is abnormal, a genetic malfunction. If it doesn’t occurs that often, then there really aren’t that many gay people.
Please admit that for the majority of gay people that it is just a lifestyle. If not, then what you claim is that homsexuality is like cancer a we need to find a cure or face extinction as a human race.
we are animals
July 27th, 2012
2:07 pm
i am a leader and i will have gay followers to the lifestyle so that we can marry and be superior in the human species. hetrosexuals will die out and will regein in our genius minds and Olympic bodies.
IMD2
July 27th, 2012
2:07 pm
CFA has a right to believe in whatever it wants. And their food is just so dang good, anyway. I could not stay away if I wanted too!! I personally agree with their stance, but eventually gay marriage will be legal. It is what it is. These are the end of days.
WWJD
July 27th, 2012
2:11 pm
“These are the end of days.”
AMEN!
VOL IN BETHLEHEM
July 27th, 2012
2:12 pm
Popular Science
like you were saying if being homo was so normal why would there be such a disease as AIDS.
if the last two people on earth were two men or two women surly we would be doomed!
NATURE WILL TAKE ITS COURSE!
Darren
July 27th, 2012
2:13 pm
@Popular Science. I’m sorry but you’re incorrect. Presented with data from researchers such as Alfred Kinsey and Evelyn Hooker, the seventh printing of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-II, in 1974, no longer listed homosexuality as a category of disorder. The American Psychological Association doesn’t view homosexuality as a disorder.
That’s not my opinion, that’s a conclusion made by trained psychologists and researchers, and they have the data to back it up.
Randy
July 27th, 2012
2:13 pm
Hey Ed Helms – “Paging Dr Phaggot”, Hello.. boycott Hangover – thats offensive to gays.
Who Cares?
July 27th, 2012
2:15 pm
@ we are animals, July 27th, 2012, 2:07 pm cool! Let us know how that same sex reproductive stuff works out!