Burger King removes 'racist' advert of people eating burgers with chopsticks

Chopsticks
Burger King has pulled its latest campaign following accusations of racism [Photo: Burger King/Twitter]

Burger King has taken down a controversial advertisement after complaints of racism.

The advert in question, which debuted on Instagram in New Zealand, shows diners struggling to eat the new ‘Vietnamese Sweet Chilli Tender Crisp Burger’ with giant chopsticks.

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In response to the promotion, one social media user reposted the ad on Twitter alongside the caption [sic]: “So this is the new Burger King ad for a ‘Vietnamese’ burger ok coolcoolcoolcoolcool CHOPSTICKS R HILARIOUS right omg etc.”

She added, “I’m so sick of racism. Of any kind. Of the kind that makes fun of different cultures, to the kind that shoots and murders those peacefully praying in their place of worship. Say no to every single manifestation of it.”

The tweet soon amassed over 3,6000 retweets with fellow social media users calling out Burger King for the advertisement:

While others, drew reference to a now-famous 2018 Dolce and Gabbana advertisement which showed an Asian model attempting to eat Italian food with chopsticks.

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The video, which was posted on the brand’s Instagram page, was eventually taken down and the fashion house issued an apology.

Burger King has since taken down the advert and apologised.

“We have asked our franchise in New Zealand to remove the ad immediately,” the statement read.

The campaign was also described as “insensitive” with the food chain emphasising that the ad “does not reflect our brand values regarding diversity and inclusion”.