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Hollywood Chick-fil-A Owner on Anti-Gay Comments: 'Those Were His Personal Views'
Photo via Chick-fil-A on Facebook.
The nationwide backlash from Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy's controversial comments regarding homosexuality and same-sex marriage has been particularly strong in Los Angeles and especially in the entertainment industry. Celebrities, like The Office's Ed Helms, have denounced the Georgia-based fast food chain's comments, and the Jim Henson Company publicly severed all ties with Chick-fil-A. Now, the company is feeling the heat from the actual neighborhood of Hollywood.
Jeremiah Cillpam, the owner of the Chick-fil-A Hollywood location on the corner of Sunset and Highland, issued a letter on Facebook today attempting to create some distance between him and the company. He writes:
We strive to ensure that every guest receives amazing food and service regardless of belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender... I know that some of our guests are upset by comments made by Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A Inc. He has made it clear to me those were his personal views, and that his intent was not to speak on behalf of every Chick-fil-A owner. We hope those who are upset will look at their relationship with our restaurant, The Hollywood Chick-fil-A, and allow us to continue to serve them.
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Is Cillpam's letter a genuine olive branch to a neighborhood that's long been hostile to his company's anti-gay outlook? Or is it a cynical move to placate protestors into putting down the signs and picking up the chicken strips? Let us know in the comments section!
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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