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
GT 12 EE
July 26th, 2012
10:50 pm
I think CFA should have kept their mouth shut about their beliefs. This is going to hurt their bottom line with many cities across American not allowing them to build. I will have to boycott them next Wednesday. I would rather eat at the Varsity anyway.
Dekou
July 26th, 2012
10:50 pm
How can one Say “God Bless America”? Should The Natives who were destroyed have that same view ? The intent is Freedom of religion..this doesn’t mean Christianity only. The bible is old and from a bunch of dead people- They are dead and gone.. Think for yourselves.
Saul Good is Best
July 26th, 2012
10:53 pm
Dear Saul: thanks for your comments. They are right on, and the bigoted and closed-minded fools that are too blind to see it will get their just desserts. ‘Talibangelicals’ = PRICELESS!
DIXIE
July 26th, 2012
10:54 pm
Dirty Dawg… put away the hard lemonade. Your words did not formulate a consistent thought and lacked logical understanding.
Powerpole
July 26th, 2012
10:56 pm
Hello moronic Dekou – so Yeats, Browning, Locke, Paine, Thoreau, and on and on and on and on are dead and gone, so you reject their literature? Come on, I’ll give you another chance.
DIXIE
July 26th, 2012
10:56 pm
Hey Saul Good…I’m waiting.
Tiffany
July 26th, 2012
10:57 pm
I will no longer support these bigots in any way. I am a Christian- and I know in my heart that what these people at Chick-fil-a are doing is wrong. Loving families come in all types these days. This is pure hatred and descrimination. I am proud to say that my children would never treat someone like the Cathys have.
Blackshepherd
July 26th, 2012
10:58 pm
and the BlackShepherd’s bark..
I want to know does the Chicken have any say in this? after all, its a safe bet the chicken couldnt care less whether your gay or straight it will still be slaughtered and consumed by both groups, gay or straight. I hardly doubt if gay people stop eating there. some may the others dont care its just food. but I can assure you when you get hungry enough, and your stomach calls for a certain food thats quick, cheap and filling. your going to buy it.
Kujohn
July 26th, 2012
10:59 pm
Boycott chic fil Huckabee wants to have a chic fil a appreciation day
Looks like he appreciates chic fila everyday.
Dress Right Not Left
July 26th, 2012
11:01 pm
There is no policy at CFA that prohibits “gay” people from dining or working there. The owner just stated his opinion when asked in an interview. The protests and boycotts by people not engaging in a normal lifestyle can not force him to embrace a perveted way of life. Yes I said perverted and not normal, No normal man would let another man put his sex organ in his mourh or A Hole. Sickening to think about. If the “gay” people don’t want to eat at CFA that is their right but to try stopping others is just an exibition of their twisted minds, They should start their own chain of restaurants serving weiners and fur burgers.
Sylvia
July 26th, 2012
11:01 pm
People are dummer than I thought. Dan Cathy and his family never said they hated Gay people or Lesbians. They only stated that they believe God’s view on marriage. They are entitled to their beliefs. I pray that they will “STAND” and not cower to the people. God will protect and continue to prosper them. Do not fight this battle in the natural Cathy family. God will prevail in the end. You have more for you than against you. You are only under a season of attack. That’s all this end. Keep looking up from whence your help comes from. You will win in the end.
Independent Voter
July 26th, 2012
11:01 pm
A little over a generation ago, homosexuality was a medically defined psychosis in psychoanalytic journals. Through public pressure applied by the GLBT community and political correctness, it was eventually erased from the books as a malady. In fact, the acceptance of homosexuality has been completely twisted to be thought of as “normal” to the extent that today, a brand-new psychological disease has been invented to apply to those who still refuse to accept the normalcy of homosexuality — the newly invented “disease” that now appears in the psychoanalytic journals is called “homophobia.”
Sideshow
July 26th, 2012
11:02 pm
It’s funny but the bible seems to treat women as property (or the very least subordinate) in its traditional marriage definition. I like the modern marriage type where you marry the one you love. http://i.imgur.com/Kfffz.jpg
Ace
July 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
I thought only overweight housewives cared what “celebrities” think anyway…why doesn’t Boston boycott all Muslim businesses, read up on what they do to gay people…
Chic Fillet Rocks
July 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
2 bad its so “offensive” 2 have opinions in today’s society, well unless you support muslims, gays, or other hardcore liberal ideas. Then there no way you can be “racist” or offensive.
Come on Now
July 26th, 2012
11:04 pm
It is not by right, or by effort, but by God?s grace alone that one (whether rich or poor) can enter into the Kingdom of God. So whether rich or poor, if you are willing to heed the Saviour?s call he will strengthen you so that you can pass through the eye of the needle, and have eternal life in him. This statement relates to the important people put on material things or their worship of or idolatry. The rich man’s wealth acts as an impediment to him entering the Kingdom. God’s word states that he wish they we should all prosper and be in good health, but not worship things.
Powerpole
July 26th, 2012
11:04 pm
Tiffany, just how do the Cathy’s treat people? Have you ever talked to a white/black/Latino/gay/straight college student whose education was partially funded by CFA? Have you ever talked to a cancer patient at a Winship funded center? Have you ever talked to the Cathy’s? Have you ever provided anyone a job?
You sound young, so you still have time to contribute more to society than the Cathy family has, but it’s an awful tall mountain of giving, so you’d best get started in the morning. Early.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
July 26th, 2012
11:07 pm
Enter your comments here
BADA BING
July 26th, 2012
11:09 pm
Glad there are not going to be CFAs in Chicago. One less place to be murdered in that city.
Chic Fillet Rocks
July 26th, 2012
11:10 pm
If the gays hate Chic Fillet so much… then develop a company completely run by gays, for gays, with nothing but gay workers. Lets see how much business you get.
Face it… most americans don’t like the idea of 2 dudes doing each other. Its disgusting! You liberals are the ones with issues. Were the normal ones here. And we have the $, and majority on our side! So SUCK IT up and accept the fact ITS NOT NORMAL!
BADA BING
July 26th, 2012
11:12 pm
Well, when Rosanne Barr weighs in on a subject, she really WEIGHS in!
Sideshow
July 26th, 2012
11:12 pm
Let me guess, two girls going at it is perfectly okay then. Chic needs to quit being so nosy about others doings in the bedroom
DIXIE
July 26th, 2012
11:13 pm
Powepole… you need to read more closely. I am a very conservative person who actually does not support the concerpt of gay marriage. You seem to jump to conclusion with ease. Take time to review my posting above and you will find that I did not take the a position of pro/con…rather state the importance of Freedom of pursuit in speech and commerse.
Fidlin1
July 26th, 2012
11:17 pm
If this is some kind of litmus test by gay rights advocates it comes across as shrill and silly. Save the cows, eat more Chic-Fil-A. God Bless everybody.
y?
July 26th, 2012
11:18 pm
Why so much hate and intolerance? Why?
Cliff
July 26th, 2012
11:19 pm
Even ignorant, narrow-minded bigots have a right to their opinion. Luckily, the rest of us have a right to call them out as ignorant, narrow-minded bigots.
Huh
July 26th, 2012
11:20 pm
@ Come on Now
Ah, so some Bible verses are open for subjective interpretation while others (i.e., Leviticus 18 & 20) must be accepted as literal truths?
Powerpole
July 26th, 2012
11:23 pm
Dixe, commerce.
WBuckATc
July 26th, 2012
11:25 pm
In no way did the complany say they were racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. They treat all customers the same same regardless of race, religion, etc.
This is just a way of the gays to state what they “THINK” is right.
God gave us freedom of choice. Your “CHOICE” of a homosexual lifestyle is not be supported by the Bible.
CFA gave thier opinion on a hot topic. Freedom of speech is granted to all.CFA isvisited frequently by our household and we will continue to support their values. Last night at Prayer Meeting, our preacher read some of the article concerning CFA and same sex marriage. If you are a Chistian, you know what the Bible states and what God expects of us as his children.
I do ask the Gays that they do not flaunt thier lifestyle upon impressionable young people. It seems that some believe it is the cool thing to now be Gay.
As a former college basketball player and later coach, I saw many a lesbian flip flop from Gay to Striahgt over the years. If it is not a choice qand oone is born that way, how can this flip fliopping be explained.
Keep in mind that we are not the jusdges here on Earth. Our time here is only a blink of the eye. God will be the one who decides how we play our sins.
CFA fan
July 26th, 2012
11:27 pm
I’m gay for Chick-fil-A.
Jack Nasty
July 26th, 2012
11:30 pm
Fidlin1… Was Rosa Parks “shrill and silly” when she refused to ride in the back of the bus???
Christopher Bradley
July 26th, 2012
11:32 pm
Having an OPINION is different from funding legislation to take civil rights away from your fellow American citizens. No one is taking away Chick-Fil-A’s right to voice their opinion. But the idea that I am somehow REQUIRED to give them my gay dollars so that they can fund the removal of my civil rights or I’m somehow a bad American? NO.
Powerpole
July 26th, 2012
11:35 pm
Well, my liberal friends, I’m bored so I’m taking my pole and going home. Please dust yourself off and come back with better arguments next time. Maybe go to the library and study up on what your friend Rousseau had to say. That moron screwed up France for 200 years and the France you see today can trace its lineage directly to him. Actually, you’d be very comfortable in France. Delta is ready when you are. Night.
Kujohn
July 26th, 2012
11:39 pm
I am so sick of these F&ckingrednecks Gay marriage is legal in several states and within 10 yrs will be legal in all states So who gives a F,,k about your fake religion (Which is only your opinion ) gay people can get married nothing you can do about it So take ur little bible an stick it up your wife’s fat A&&
Keepin It Real
July 26th, 2012
11:40 pm
You people are dumb. Let’s focus on getting this pathetic education system and economy fixed. IE, to hell with gay people. To hell with straight people. And more importantly, to hell with Georgia. Eat more chicken or eat more burgers. Or don’t eat at all. #keepyoureyesontheball
Richard Simmons
July 26th, 2012
11:44 pm
So I guess the Jews were intolerant for not supporting NAZI businesses? How about if a business was revealed to be funding anti-Christian legislation, would you people tolerate that? I bet not. I don’t want my money going to a business that openly advocates for my discrimination. Simple as that. And last time I checked, here in America, that is my right.
Danita Clark Able
July 26th, 2012
11:44 pm
http://lettersfromawhoremongerswife.com/2012/07/26/whos-intolerant-now/
Fats OMalley
July 26th, 2012
11:45 pm
You gays are the most miserable folks in the country right now. Majority of Ameicans think homosexual sex is not normal. It is what it is. Leave Chick Fil A alone and move on.
AAA
July 26th, 2012
11:48 pm
I think most of the pro Chick posters would also approve if Cathy had stated that blacks and whites shouldn’t marry. It would be, after all, his opinion. And guess what? My grandmother can quote a section in the bible that would back it up. Just goes to show you that it’s easy to find biblical references to fit any agenda. I see more hate and intolerance in the so-called christians than any other people. Pretty amazing.
muddy waters`
July 26th, 2012
11:51 pm
I’ll go along with the grossly overweight Southern haters on this one; m-m-m-m good.
Fats OMalley
July 26th, 2012
11:57 pm
Eat mor chicken not ………………………fill in the blank
Kujohn
July 27th, 2012
12:05 am
Grossly overweight southern haters Fats omalley Saul cuffs Wbuck Chic fill rocks . Please eat chic fila breakfast dinner an nite and have a midnite snack the sooner your gone the better
morn
July 27th, 2012
12:14 am
Mr cathy has the right to say what he chooses, but this was an out and out stupid comment because he had to know what it bring. I have never liked the food, or eaten there more than 3 times in my life so I wont be boycottiing them, I never went to begin with
allforone
July 27th, 2012
12:17 am
As for me – I plan on eating a Chik-fil-a EVERY DAY for the next month – I WILL exercise my Free Speech by buying more.
whatfor
July 27th, 2012
12:24 am
Can you imagine if a conservative or Republican stated that someone (or everyone) “deserves to get the cancer” for something (that would be like someone saying that gays deserve to get AIDS) that they CHOOSE to do – as the very liberal and Lisbo Roseanne Barr tweeted??
I will be eating at Chick-fil-A much more often – not because of support for what Mr. Cathy said – but because of the massive attacks against his free speech. Will Roseanne’s comments make the breaking news?? Hoping that Chick-fil-A customers will get CANCER??? No – because she is a Liberal and the media loves it.
ProudLesbianDoctor
July 27th, 2012
12:25 am
KimZ’sPackage
July 26th, 2012
7:40 pm
What HATE has Chick-fil-A or the president said or done that is Hateful?
Gays wanting to force or be allowed to marry in a Church is wrong.
Civil Unions done at the court house is fine.
Asking that Churches Recognize and Accept Gay marriage is wrong.
====================================================
You do know that the gay rights movement isn’t about wanting churches to recognize our marriage, right? It’s about having the marriage recognized by the state(you know separation of church and state).If you think it’s ok for “civil unions in a courthouse” then you do in fact support gay marriage. I am gay and was recently legally married last month in my home state of Massachusetts. We do not “force” churches to recognize our marriage. In fact, I’m Catholic and my church does NOT recognize my marriage. It seems to me that all you anti-gay marriage supporters should do a little more research.
Rick
July 27th, 2012
12:26 am
Kimz: clearly you have no understanding of the constitution as it pertains to the difference between federal/state/local laws.
KimZ'sPackage
July 27th, 2012
12:29 am
A mayor or governor can’t keep a business from doing business in his state because of Religious Discrimination.
ifudonthaveanythingnicetosay
July 27th, 2012
12:40 am
when did a mediocre chicken sandwich become the polarizing, politicizing, right wing bible thumping sandwich – when the Cathey’s continued to spew their tirades of ignorance and hatred -
wonder if they ever ate shrimp?
Chuck Snow
July 27th, 2012
12:44 am
Dan Cathy and or Chik Fil A has every right to have an opinion just as everyone of us do. I’m personally opposed to gay marriage it’s OK with me whatever your thoughts or opinion are as long as you don’t try to push them on to me. I think there should be enough tolerance to go around for us all. the people who are screaming for tolerance shouldn’t get any more than they give.
I support Dan & Chik Fil A in fact I’ve eaten there more in the last few days than I have in years, I’m going to Truets tomorrow nght for dinner. I’ve known Truet Cathy for more than 40 years and I can assure you there’s no hate in that man, he loves everyone black , white straight or gay. The Cathys are good people who are entitled to their religious beliefs whatever they may be.