Coca-Cola silently withdraws Black Lives Matter backing after Ted Cruz’s disapproval.
Coca-Cola Deletes Support for Black Lives Matter Amid Controversy
Coca-Cola recently faced backlash for removing a paragraph on its website that expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement. This move came as Black Lives Matter drew criticism for its endorsement of Hamas during the ongoing Israel-Conflict.
Earlier this month, Sprite, a brand owned by Coca-Cola, made a $500,000 contribution to the Black Lives Matter Global Network, demonstrating its commitment to racial justice. The brand also premiered a powerful TV commercial during the 2020 BET Awards, highlighting the resilience, excellence, and optimism of Black America. The commercial, titled ‘Dreams Realized,’ aimed to inspire young Black creators and encourage them to pursue their dreams. However, an archived version of the Sprite website page reveals that this paragraph has been removed from the current version of the page.
It appears that changes were made to the web page on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21, according to Archive.org records. The deletion of the paragraph supporting Black Lives Matter suggests that Coca-Cola may have distanced itself from the movement.
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The Epoch Times has reached out to Coca-Cola for comment on this matter, but the company has not made a public statement yet.
Senator Ted Cruz from Texas recently pointed out Coca-Cola’s website and linked its support for Black Lives Matter to endorsing Hamas. He criticized the company and other corporations for their backing of Black Lives Matter in light of the Hamas attacks on Israel.
On social media, Senator Cruz wrote, “CAUGHT RED-HANDED. Coca-Cola deletes its support for BLM. Americans DEMAND an apology.”
In his podcast, “The Verdict,” Senator Cruz further criticized Coca-Cola and other companies for their support of Black Lives Matter following the Hamas attacks.
Last week, Senator Cruz questioned corporate donors who supported Black Lives Matter, asking if they regretted supporting an organization with anti-Semitic views and if they endorsed Black Lives Matter’s support for Hamas and the end of Israel.
Black Lives Matter Grassroots expressed its solidarity with Palestine in a post on Oct. 9, stating that they see parallels between the struggles of Black and Palestinian people. However, a Black Lives Matter chapter in Chicago later deleted a post that explicitly supported Hamas.
Outside of the corporate world, some U.S. colleges have also faced challenges regarding students’ support for Palestinians and Hamas. For example, the Wexner Foundation, founded by billionaire Leslie Wexner, severed ties with Harvard University after students circulated a letter blaming Israel entirely for the recent attacks.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, Israeli warplanes have launched airstrikes on Gaza, Syria, and the occupied West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah against starting a war with Israel, promising devastating consequences.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
How does the removal of support for Black Lives Matter from Coca-Cola’s website impact public perception of the company’s stance on racial justice?
The decision to remove support for the Black Lives Matter movement from Coca-Cola’s website has sparked controversy and raised questions about the company’s stance on racial justice. While Coca-Cola has not made an official statement regarding the deletion, it is speculated that the move is related to the recent criticism faced by the Black Lives Matter movement for its endorsement of Hamas during the Israel-Conflict.
Just a few weeks ago, Sprite, a brand owned by Coca-Cola, made a significant contribution of $500,000 to the Black Lives Matter Global Network, showcasing its dedication to promoting racial equality and justice. Alongside this, Sprite aired a powerful TV commercial, titled ‘Dreams Realized,’ during the 2020 BET Awards. The commercial aimed to inspire young Black creators and encourage them to pursue their dreams, highlighting the resilience, excellence, and optimism of Black America.
However, upon examining an archived version of the Sprite website, it becomes apparent that a paragraph expressing support for Black Lives Matter has been removed from the current version of the page. Archive.org records indicate that changes were made to the webpage on October 20 and October 21, suggesting a deliberate decision to distance Coca-Cola from the movement.
The removal of the paragraph raises questions about the motivations and intentions behind Coca-Cola’s actions. Critics argue that the company may be trying to avoid controversy or backlash by withdrawing its support for an organization that has faced criticism itself. Moreover, the endorsement of Hamas by Black Lives Matter has drawn widespread condemnation, and Coca-Cola may be wary of being associated with such controversial affiliations.
It is important to consider the broader context in which these events are occurring. The ongoing Israel-Conflict has resulted in heightened tensions and deep divisions across the world. While the Black Lives Matter movement has been lauded for its advocacy against racial injustice, its support for Hamas has raised eyebrows and skepticism among many.
As a multinational corporation with a vast consumer base, Coca-Cola’s actions and statements carry weight and influence. The removal of support for Black Lives Matter from its website sends a message, whether deliberate or not, about the company’s stance on racial justice. The controversy surrounding this decision highlights the challenges that corporations face when addressing sensitive and politically charged topics.
Public perception and consumer sentiment are crucial factors that companies must consider when navigating these issues. While some may argue that Coca-Cola’s removal of support for the Black Lives Matter movement is a prudent business decision, others may view it as a betrayal of previously expressed commitments to racial equality. The consequences of such actions may be felt in consumer loyalty, public perception, and, ultimately, the company’s bottom line.
It remains to be seen how Coca-Cola will respond to the backlash and criticism it has faced in the wake of this controversy. As conversations around racial justice continue to evolve, companies are under increasing scrutiny to align their actions with their stated values. The case of Coca-Cola serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that arise when corporations engage in socio-political issues, particularly during times of heightened tension and controversy.
Ultimately, the decisions made by companies like Coca-Cola have far-reaching implications, not only for their own reputations and relationships with consumers but also for the wider societal discourse on issues of racial justice and equality. The actions taken by corporations in navigating these issues will undoubtedly continue to shape public opinion and the trajectory of social movements.
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