Mary J. Blige’s New Burger King Ad Stirs Criticism

First Published: April 4, 2012 1:26 PM EDT Credit: FilmMagic

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Caption Mary J Blige attends the 10th Annual Gotham Magazine gala at Capitale on October 14, 2010 in New York CityA Burger King commercial featuring Mary J. Blige singing about chicken has been pulled. But the fast-food chain is blaming music licensing issues for the decision — not criticism of the ad.

The spot debuted this week. In it, Blige sings soulfully about chicken snack wraps.

But as the video went viral, some in the black community criticized the ad as stereotypical. The black women-oriented website Madame Noire likened it to “buffoonery.”

Burger King said Tuesday the commercial was pulled because of a licensing concern. The company said it hopes to have the Blige “ads back on the air soon,” though a spokeswoman would not comment on whether they ads would be the same.

The spokeswoman also noted that other celebrities, including Salma Hayek and Jay Leno, also are advertising the snack wraps.

A rep for Blige did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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