Source: The Washington Post / Getty
A Washington, D.C.-based pizzeria is facing backlash for its newest offering. Their “Marion Berry” dessert contains various depressing drug references to the town's former mayor, Marion Barry.
As spotted on TMZ, a restaurant is chasing influence at the expense of the late politician's name. Last week, a shop called &pizza launched a new product called “Marion Berry Knots,” a portion of dough balls filled with fruit and topped with vanilla frosting. Sprinkled on top is powdered sugar, and this is where the disrespect comes in. Their advertising guarantee says: “THESE CODES WILL PRINT YOU!” A caption of 'Try the party with the brand new Marion Berry Knots! It's criminal how good these are,” another track can be found. In addition, the pizzeria uses a photo of sugar stacked next to a tray that looks like a serving of cocaine.
Naturally, the item quickly went viral causing outrage in the community. On Wednesday (October 16), locals turned up at the restaurant to protest the location. Local NAACP chapter president Akosua Ali also expressed her disappointment. “Marion Barry's life, legacy, lineage and name deserve to be remembered as a pioneer for economic development, real estate development, black business empowerment, youth employment and a People's Mayor. Mayor Barry taught us the power of economics, and today, we're calling on the community to demand that Pizza right this terrible wrong.”
His wife Marion Barry has confirmed with NBC Washington that the family “asked the attorneys for the Estate of Marion Barry Jr. to consider the matter and act accordingly'. The former politician served as mayor of the District of Columbia from 1979 to 1991 and served another term from 1995 to 1999. In 1990, he was infamously caught on video smoking crack and soliciting a prostitute as part of a sting operation.
