As we reported late last week, Dunkin’ Donuts released a bizarre ad to promote their “Charcoal Donut.” The popular American franchise launched the new campaign in Thailand in early August showcasing a woman covered in blackface makeup, bright pink lips, and a smug grin. In her hand, she holds a charcoal-colored doughnut.
The American franchise quickly caught the attention of the Human Rights Watch, who fired a salvo at the franchise’s Thailand CEO, Nadim Salhani saying the ad was extremely “racist” and should be taken down as well as an apology issued for those it had offended.
“We’re not allowed to use black to promote our doughnuts? I don’t get it,” said Salhani. “What’s the big fuss? What if the product was white and I painted someone white, would that be racist?
“Not everybody in the world is paranoid about racism. I’m sorry, but this is a marketing campaign, and it’s working very well for us.”
Since then, a spokesperson in the U.S. offered a short and simple apology via Twitter.
“We are working with our Thailand franchisee to immediately pull the ad. DD recognizes the insensitivity of this spot.”
There has been no word on whether or not the advertisements have been pulled. – ruthie hawkins/@ruubabie
