Mary J. Blige is breaking her silence after heavy backlash over a controversial Burger King commercial featuring the EMF performer singing about a crispy chicken wrap. TMZ reports that Blige claims she never “signed off” on the ad.
On Monday, Facebook, Twitter and the blogosphere erupted with criticism as many claimed the commercial added to negative stereotypes about African-Americans and chicken.
“I agreed to be part of a fun and creative campaign that was supposed to feature a dream sequence. Unfortunately, that’s not what was happening in that clip,” said Blige. “I understand my fans being upset by what they saw. But, if you’re a Mary fan, you have to know I would never allow an unfinished spot like the one you saw go out.”
Since its debut, Burger King has pulled the spot claiming it was “released prematurely before all of the licensing and final approvals were obtained,” reports the Wall Street Journal. The fast-food franchise apologized to Blige and her fans for airing an incomplete commercial.
“We hope to have the final ad on the air soon,” the company concluded.
