Outrage after restaurant twists ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest slogan on huge billboard advert
Italian restaurant criticised for using 'Black Olives Matter' as a slogan to promote their new Tapenade dish
AN ITALIAN restaurant has been slammed for sharing the slogan "Black Olives Matter" with critics accusing the restaurant of trivialising the protest movement.
Paisano's Italian restaurant was accused of making a joke in poor taste against the "Black Lives Matter" protest when it shared the "Black Olives Matter Try Our Tapenade" slogan out the front of its Alburquerque, New Mexico, premises.
People have taken to social media to slam the slogan, with Claudia Sanchez writing: "As a woman of color I find your posting offensive and in very bad taste.
"You simply wish to rub salt in an ugly festering wound which evil minded people refuse to allow to heal. The civilized world no longer has any tolerance for your hateful public display of what passes to you as humor."
Others criticised the restaurant for apparently deleting negative comments.
But others praised the pun, with Russell Berryman writing: ";Always love a good play on words. keep up the good work."
The restaurant's owner Rick Camuglia told CBS affiliate KRQE: "We didn't think anybody would be offended by that. It was not our intent to offend anybody."
The sign has since been taken down by the restaurant and photos of the billboard have been taken down.
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"Black Lives Matter" protests have been sparked across America after a recent spate of police shootings that killed black people.
But Paisano's also posted a thank you note on their social media page, saying: "Since Wednesday, July 13th, we have been inundated with positive, supportive phone calls from the community as well as overwhelmed with business, not only from our "regulars", but from so many new customers who came from Albuquerque, surrounding cities, and even neighboring States simply to support us.
"A heartfelt "Thank You" to you from our Crew, some of whom were moved to tears because of your kind words and outpouring of support.
"Many nowadays would contend that society has changed for the worse, but our experience this week has proven the opposite. We have encountered so many quality people of character; salt of the earth and the bedrock of America. Awesome.
"Many have shown a unique way to show solidarity. I can't count the number of customer's orders who've included adding Black Olives to every dish ordered. Pizzas, Sandwiches and pasta dishes with "double Black Olives Please!" all day long. So much that we almost ran out and ordered more.
"We have served Albuquerque for over 40 years and look forward to the next 40."
The restaurant has previously prided itself on witty slogans, including "World Gluten Headquarters".
