Ciritics of Indiana’s anti-gay “religious freedom” bill flooded an Indiana pizzeria’s Yelp page with negative reviews Wednesday after its owners reportedly said they would never cater a same-sex wedding.
Crystal O’Connor, whose family owns Memories Pizza in Walkerton, Ind., told local TV station WBND that their religious beliefs would prevent them from catering a same-sex wedding if they were asked to do so. The family later clarified that they would never refuse service to a gay couple who came into the restaurant to eat.
Backlash to O’Connor’s comments was swift on the pizzeria’s Yelp page, where users uploaded photos of nude or scantily clad men. Users from all over the world who had never visited the establishment, as well as a few locals who had, also criticized the restaurant’s food and the owner’s attitude.
“Worst pizza I have ever had regardless of the side of bigotry that comes along with it,” a user from Granger, Ind. wrote in a review.
“Never have been to your establishment and now never will,” another user from Minneapolis wrote. “I hope your blatant example of discrimination closes your doors for good. Shame on you.”
“Even outside of this issue, the pizza and service SUCKS!” a user from Crown Point, Ind. wrote.
The restaurant had only two reviews before its owners reportedly spoke with WBND about the new law. Those reviews were decidedly more positive.
“The beef sandwich is fabulous and their personal chicken pizzas are to die for!” a user from Fort Wayne, Ind. wrote in 2013.
“Stopped on our way thru on the way home from Chicago. We both had a $3 6 inch unlimited topping pizza. Really good~ Would stop again,” a user from Portland, Ore. wrote in 2012.
Read more of the reviews below:
Screenshots via Yelp.
I make my own pizza…you can tell it’s made with love.
Kind of like a Krabby Patty…
Actually…I have to be gluten free and I do make my own pizzas. It’s easier and cheaper than buying from a pizzaria…and not as difficult as people might expect.
Internet trolling is okay when TPM says it’s okay. Is bad when about ladies and video games, but when it’s about some dinky pizza restaurant in Nowheresville, it’s okay.
This isn’t news and it isn’t the right way to respond to bigotry.
It’s just the first amendment. Many conservatives only understand an idea is wrong when they get hit in the cash box. Bad reviews assist in the general boycott of products from companies that promote bad policies.
An they can always turn off the reviews. Josh can explain it to them.
… when someone goes out of his way to ask for it.