America’s social climate — and it’s fast-food industry — were rocked last month after Chick-fil-A’s unapologetic president, Dan Cathy, took a public stance against gay marriage and called any of its supporters “arrogant” in the face of God. In the wake of his comments, fans, critics and stars alike have rallied in droves to either support the chicken chain or burn the proverbial coop. But a surprising voice has now come forward to share his personal story of disappointment in Chick-fil-A — D.L. Hughley.
In a witty and candid open letter posted on the Huffington Post, Hughley delves into the origins of his love for Chick-fil-A, comparing his love for the chicken franchise to a long-term relationship with a woman. But in the letter, Hughley explains that Chick-fil-A’s bitter, anti-gay marriage stance has soured the relationship and that they must now part ways.
“But baby, lately you’ve been doing me dirty. You’ve been speaking with a forked tongue, spewing hate instead of frying love. Who would have thought that a chicken sandwich would become a symbol for both free speech and intolerance at the same time? It brings a whole new meaning to the question, ‘Do you it want light or dark?’ ” writes Hughley.
The actor then calls into question Chick-fil-A’s religious morals as he quotes texts from the Bible.
“You say that gay marriage is a sin, like in Leviticus 19:22. But a preceding verse, Leviticus 17:14, says, ‘You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.’ You don’t cook your chicken in a kosher way. On what grounds are you picking and choosing which edicts to follow?”
Hughley then criticizes Chick-fil-A for mixing business with politics, cleverly joking about other franchise’s lack of political involvement.
“When have fast food and politics ever intermingled before? Arthur Treacher’s has never impressed sailors into the British navy, not even once. Burger King didn’t send his royal troops to support us in Iraq. Long John Silver has left his pirating days behind him, and now is a peaceful member of our community. Pizza Hut did not try to declare itself a Habitat for a Humanity. It’s not the gay community that is freaky, outspoken and different. It’s you, baby.”
Hughley concludes, tearfully, that his relationship with Chik-fil-A is now over as he reminisces about their happier times together.
Read Hughley’s full letter here and check out some other celebrity reactions to Chick-fil-A’s scandal below. –nicholas robinson
