Dunkin' Donuts Ad Stirs Terror Flap

Critics: Celebrity Chef's Black-And-White Scarf Symbolically Supports Muslim Extremism

(AP)  Dunkin' Donuts said Wednesday it stopped running an online advertisement featuring Rachael Ray after complaints that a fringed black-and-white scarf that the celebrity chef wore in the ad offers symbolic support for Muslim extremism and terrorism.

The coffee and baked goods chain said the ad that began appearing online May 7 was pulled over the past weekend because "the possibility of misperception detracted from its original intention to promote our iced coffee."

In the spot, Ray wears the scarf around her neck and holds an iced coffee while standing in front of trees with pink blossoms.

Critics, including conservative commentator Michelle Malkin, complained that the scarf looked similar to the black-and-white checkered kaffiyeh, the traditional Palestinian scarf. Critics who fueled online complaints about the ad in blogs say such scarves have come to symbolize Muslim extremism and terrorism.

The kaffiyeh, Malkin wrote in a column posted online last Friday, "has come to symbolize murderous Palestinian jihad. Popularized by Yasser Arafat and a regular adornment of Muslim terrorists appearing in beheading and hostage-taking videos, the apparel has been mainstreamed by both ignorant (and not-so-ignorant) fashion designers, celebrities, and left-wing icons."

A statement issued by Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' Brands Inc., however, said the scarf had a paisley design, and was selected by a stylist for the advertising shoot.

"Absolutely no symbolism was intended," the company said.

Dunkin' spokeswoman Michelle King said the ad appeared on the chain's Web site, as well as other commercial sites.

Malkin, in a posting following up on last week's column, said of Dunkin's decision to pull the ad, "It's refreshing to see an American company show sensitivity to the concerns of Americans opposed to Islamic jihad and its apologists."

Ray, host of the Food Network television program "30 Minute Meals" as well as a syndicated daytime talk show, began appearing in ads for Dunkin' Donuts in March 2007. When Dunkin' announced the partnership, it said Ray would be featured in TV, print, radio and online spots in a campaign running through 2010.

[keithle1]

When the USA turns into Chicken Little, we really go all the way. Everything scares us. What are we? Two-year old fools? Some precious stylist gave it to our Rachael to put on.

Keep a look out for Rachael Ray, supporter of "murderous Palestinian jihad."

Iced coffee is not about politics!

[mitch5511]

Now this is a case of people going off the flippin'' deep end for absolutely no reason! People need to get a *** grip and stop allowing fear dominant their lives. This is being beyond stupid!

[chatarpatar]

"That white black checkers scarf is worn by terrorist and it reminds of them so lets remove that scarf"

Ok... then lets also must adopt following logic:

"THE TERRORIST ALWAYS HAVE BEEN SEEN CARRYING MACHINE GUNS, GRENADE AND ROCKET LAUNCHER, AND KNIVES... THEREFORE, WE, OUR MILITARY, ALSO MUST NOT CARRY ANY WEPON SINCE IT REMINDS OF TERRORIST!!!"

[chatarpatar]

mamacat118.... Want to know how they put the holes in the donuts ???
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Posted by j-whitman at 12:33 AM : May 30, 2008


ANSWER

BY INSERTING P E N I S

[darkfyreaol]

Better start worrying about the powdered donut mailed to some poor unsuspecting Senator.

America runs on Dunkin''.

[darkfyreaol]

There was no statement from Rachael, she was just the model.

[blackeagleba]

First off...where is the statement by Ms. Ray? Dunkin Donuts has issued and explanation and an apology. Where is Ms. Ray''s response? I could care less how donuts are made, made from, or how in the hell the holes are "manufactured", Ms. Whitman. Irregardless of your thoughts or beliefs, Ms. Whitman (and Whitman''s sympathizers), I have issues with anything that may "suggest" or "demonstrate", anything that COULD be construed as jihadist, or terrorist. I clearly remember the April 19th domestic bombing of Oklahoma City, the former radical muslim attack on the WTC in the parking garage, the attack on the two US embassies in Africa, and the WTC-Pentagon-United 93 attacks. So, call me a radical myself. In regards to issues, items, and events, such as this, I have filled my heart with hate.

[marcosis78]

America needs to learn to be less offended. Americans whine and cry about every little thing they dont like.

[ruby0728]

FlangeSqueal has connectivity issues

[j-whitman]

mamacat118.... Want to know how they put the holes in the donuts ???

[j-whitman]

mamacat118.... Well,,,,,

Their donuts do resemble somthing an Arab Shiek wears on the head to hold the dish towel down & they use camel milk in their Arabica coffee.

Their donuts are made from Nigerian Yellow Cake Mix

[mamacat118]

This is ridiculous. What''s next -- women unable to cover thier hair with a scarf on a windy day, lest they appear to be Jihadist sympathizers? Come on, people, it''s a scarf!

[j-whitman]

Here''''s Murdoch with a surprising statement today;

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch said he was impressed by Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama''''s "rock star" status and found that his Republican rival, John McCain, "has a lot of problems."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080529/ts_alt_afp/usvotemediamurdochobama_080529205839;_ylt=Arrt3IglxE2DlHFgZm5tgYOs0NUE

[j-whitman]

And now we have to worry about Dunkin Donuts delivery trucks being secret mobile cemical weapons labs.

[excelsior9]

Now this is nuts. Not only does this show how many nutcases we have in America, but it shows how much coporate greed rules. Stop an add because some might be offended and not buy our doughnuts. Screw em I say. Run the add.

[sic_momma13]

This is f*cken stupid. It''s just a scarf. Everyone complains about stupid sh*t. Screw the government. All of them are just in it for the money. They don''t care about the world we live in. I think Obama is going to make things worse if he becomes president. He''s probably part of the terrorist. I mean come on he talks to our enemies. To reason, ya right. To plot. Bush has tried that and didn''t work out. What difference will it make for Obama. Our people s*ck.

[kansas1946]

Will Barack Obama or even John McCain seek answers in prayer from God once elected?
**************************************

I would hope not. I think baby Bush said that is what he did and look where that has gotten us.

[kansas1946]

This had got to be the stupidest thing I have heard so far this year, and that is saying a lot. What kind of nuts would come up with such a fool notion. I looked at the picture and never though anything. Yeah, Rachel Ray is going to support terrorists. People in this country just get goofier every day. If you have time to worry about Rachel Ray''s scarf, then you need to get a life!

[j-whitman]

docadams3,,,, Bingo, "Some people are just plain stupid"

McCain is linked to our mortgage crises & efforts to stop corrections & banking regualtion

McCain is linked to War Profiteering through another lobbyist who overcharged our country & troops $1.08 a GALLON for aviation fuel

McCain is linked to supporting dictatorships through another Lobbyist..

McCain turns his back on our country & troops by refusing to support Veterans benifets & investigations into contractor abuses & theft.

[docadams3]

Some people are just plain stupid.