The Dunkin' Donuts chain has pulled an online advertisement featuring celebrity chef Rachael Ray after critics argued that that a scarf she wore in the ad offers symbolic support for terrorism.
Dunkin' Donuts said today it pulled the ad over the weekend because of what it calls a "misperception" about the scarf that detracted from its original intent to promote its iced coffee.
Critics, including conservative commentator Michelle Malkin, complained that the scarf appeared to be traditional garb worn by Arab men. The ad's critics say such scarves have come to symbolise Muslim extremism and terrorism.
Canton, Massacusetts-based Dunkin' Donuts says the black-and-white scarf that Ray wore had a paisley design, and was selected by a stylist for the advertising shoot. The chain says no symbolism was intended.
On her blog, Malkin said Ray's decision to wear the scarf was "clueless sporting of a jihadi chic keffiyeh''.
"I'm hoping her hate couture choice was spurred more by ignorance than ideology,'' Malkin wrote last week.
Acknowledging the "keffiyeh kerfuffle'' that had since erupted, Malkin yesterday further explained her stance.
"Anti-American fashion designers abroad and at home have mainstreamed and adapted the scarves as generic pro-Palestinian jihad or anti-war statements.
"Yet many folks out there remain completely oblivious to the apparels violent symbolism and anti-Israel overtones.''
AP and Arjun Ramachandran
The Israeli lobby is stunning to say the least... even a TV ad featuring a traditional Palestinian scarf is prohibited...
Celebrity chef under fire for 'jihadi chic' -
29th May 2008
