Ray accused of dressing like a terrorist, Stone taken to task by Chinese
By Matthew B. Zeidman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today)
5/30/08 –
A few days ago, it would have been unthinkable to accuse wholesome American icon Rachael Ray of supporting terrorism.
Apparently enough people did just that, however, causing Dunkin Donuts to remove an online ad last weekend featuring the Food Network star.
The ad in question featured Ray wearing a paisley scarf resembling a keffiyeh, which is a traditional headscarf of Arab men sometimes used to denote support for Palestinian nationalists.
After a scathing article by syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin and a number of consumer complaints, Dunkin Donuts caved to public pressure, stating that any symbolism was unintentional and that the controversial wardrobe was suggested by a stylist at the ad shoot and not by Ray.
The ad in question began running on May 7. Ray has been a spokesperson for Dunkin Donuts since March 2007, appearing in numerous television commercials and other media for the chain.
Also facing promotional troubles was Sharon Stone, whose face has been pulled from Chinese Christian Dior ads after the noted actress suggested the devastating May 12 earthquake was karmic retaliation for the communist nation’s treatment of its Tibetan territory.
The French fashion retailer said in a statement that it was attempting to distance itself from Stone’s comments, so as not to offend its patrons.
Stone also released a statement Thursday apologizing for last week’s remarks, which were made during an interview at the Cannes film festival.
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