Following international outrage at Guido Barilla’s comments that the company would never make an ad with gay people and if they didn’t like it they can find another brand of pasta, Barilla has issued a video apology.
In the video Barilla says:
“Yesterday, I apologized for offending many people around the world. Today I am repeating that apology. Through my entire life I have always respected every person I’ve met, including gays and their families, without any distinction. I’ve never discriminated against anyone. I have heard the countless reactions around the world to my words, which have depressed and saddened me. It is clear that I have a lot to learn about the lively debate concerning the evolution of the family. In the coming weeks, I pledge to meet representatives of the group that best represent the evolution of the family, including those who have been offended by my words.”
Following the release of the video company issued a statement apologizing for the remarks:
The statement in part:
“At Barilla, we care about everyone, regardless of race, religion, belief, gender or sexual orientation. Our mission is to help people – every single person – live better, by bringing well-being and the joy of eating into their everyday lives.
We value and respect a family that includes everyone. As stated in the Barilla lighthouse – our strategy document – we promote diversity. Diversity of all kinds is a clear objective that the company has put forward…
… We will take advantage of the recent incident to learn and to promote even harder the diversity path that Barilla has undertaken.
To all our friends, family, employees and partners that we have hurt or offended, we are deeply sorry.”
