“Heinz Faces Backlash: Controversial Ad Dismisses Black Culture Days After Fatherhood Debate!”
Nevertheless, just days after issuing an apology for the family-size ketchup ad, Heinz seemingly carried another faux pas, this time drawing comparisons with Blackface.
Released over the weekend, “Heinz Smiles” features three portraits of individuals eating fast food with ketchup smeared on their mouths.
The individuals – a white man, a white woman, and a Black man – appear to replicate the Joker’s clown eerie make-up, accentuating big lips and an exaggerated smile.
Image credits: Thunder 104.5 WGRX
“It’s all about amplifying people’s irrational love for Heinz within this moment in pop culture,” Gut New York chief creative officer Lucas Bongioanni said in a statement. “That messy experience of having ketchup smeared across your face was the perfect way to connect with global consumers and spark conversation.”
While it has been reported that Heinz’s advertisement is meant to highlight the Halloween season, drawing references from the Joker and the horror movie Smile, many people saw a resemblance to historically racist practices.
“Are we going to talk about the history of BIG RED LIPS…. Or just act like Blackface doesn’t exist. And wasn’t established way before Joker ffs,” an Instagram user commented.
Blackface is a historical practice that dates back around 200 years. It’s seen as racist and many people find it deeply offensive, the BBC reported in 2020.
After facing significant criticism the beloved ketchup brand issued an apology
Image credits: Jacob Rice
It commonly refers to when someone (typically with white skin) paints their face darker to resemble a Black person, but it isn’t just about painting skin a different color.
