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May 28, 2008

Dunkin' Donuts puts Rachael Ray scarf ad on ice

CANTON, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts has canceled an online advertisement featuring celebrity chef Rachael Ray after complaints 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 symbolize Muslim extremism and terrorism.

Canton, Mass.-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.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 6:57 PM | Permalink

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Posted by: tim at May 29, 2008 9:17 AM

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