People think Burger King’s packaging for its jalapeño chicken fries are racist
Burger King’s new Jalapeño Chicken Fries are feeling the heat online over its packaging.
Last week, the chain rolled out an even spicier version of the Internet’s beloved snacks with jalapeño seasoning mixed into the breading. Burger King is selling the chicken sticks in packaging that some are blasting as racist because it relies on Mexican stereotypes, like the sombrero and mustache.
Introducing Jalapeño Chicken Fries. They’re Jalap-in yo’ face with flavor. pic.twitter.com/pvesQg7v7Q
— Burger King (@BurgerKing) January 28, 2016
Well, some of Burger King’s Twitter followers think the mascot is racist.
Is it just me or does @BurgerKing jalapeño chicken fries mascot seem slightly racist? #MariachiTheFlavor pic.twitter.com/7ZLYIFEpzL — Jared Wheeler (@Jared_Wheeler) January 30, 2016
Am I the only one who has a problem with the design on the box? #jalapenofries #burgerking @BurgerKing #racist pic.twitter.com/twAO2BTF2R
— notsvsuiowa (@notsvsuiowa) February 2, 2016
@BurgerKing this is just plain racist because it’s jalapeño the bird now has a mustache and a mariachi guitar? pssh pic.twitter.com/mkjoXLnOF6 — Jared (@jared_ocana) January 31, 2016
Since the initial tweet, Burger King doesn’t appear to be deterred by the comments, tweeting another picture of the packaging yesterday.
NEW Jalapeño Chicken Fries are our zest flavor yet. pic.twitter.com/Q72myzBnYT
— Burger King (@BurgerKing) February 2, 2016
Burger King didn’t return a request for comment.
More in Marketing
Ahead of Euro 2024 soccer tournament, brands look beyond TV to stretch their budgets
Media experts share which channels marketers are prioritizing at this summer’s Euro 2024 soccer tournament and the Olympic Games.
Google’s third-party cookie saga: theories, hot takes and controversies unveiled
Digiday has gathered up some of the juiciest theories and added a bit of extra context for good measure.
X’s latest brand safety snafu keeps advertisers at bay
For all X has done to try and make advertisers believe it’s a platform that’s safe for brands, advertisers remain unconvinced, and the latest headlines don’t help.