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Burger King Sorry for 'Whopper Goddess'

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2009 1:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hold the sauce—and the beef. Burger King has apologized to Hindus following a firestorm of controversy over the chain's use of the multi-limbed goddess Lakshmi in a Whopper ad, reports the Telegraph. Burger King immediately yanked the ads from outlets in Spain after Hindus complained that it denigrated their religion. Almost all the ingredients in the advertised "Texican Whopper"—from beef to mayonnaise—are forbidden fare for strict Hindus.

The slogan over the ad read in Spanish: "The snack is sacred." Burger King is "apologizing because it wasn't our intent to offend anyone," said a company spokeswoman.

Oops.
Oops.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Burger King yanked these ads from outlets in Spain after Hindus complained that it denigrated their religion.
Burger King yanked these ads from outlets in Spain after Hindus complained that it denigrated their religion.
Padma Lakshmi gets up close and personal with the Hardee's Western Bacon Thickburger.
Padma Lakshmi gets up close and personal with the Hardee's Western Bacon Thickburger.   (Photo: Doria Anselmo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
GreekChorus
Jul 11, 2009 5:51 AM CDT
I'm disappointed that Burger King apologized. This ad (as well as the BK Whopper BJ ad) is out and out funny! Those taking offense tell us more about their own insecurities than the supposed insensitivity of the companies in question.
jagerhans
Jul 10, 2009 7:45 AM CDT
ok i can understand the cow thing but why hindus can't eat MAYONNAISE ? jeez , talking about the damages that religions do...
spacematic
Jul 10, 2009 7:30 AM CDT
Crucify your hunger on a bed of kosher bacon. There is only one King, and the Whopper is His Burger. Religious parody DOES NOT equal fast food sales. Fire the ad agency. In the flames of Gehenna. Where the Whopper is thusly-broiled, and where your stomach is d@mn3d to indigestion. Want fries with that?

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