NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Critics have been turning up the heat on a Kentucky BBQ joint after it started selling a shirt that played on the well-known LGBTQ initialism.
“I support LGBTQ,” the shirt reads. “Liberty, Guns, Bible, Trump, BBQ.”
After posting a photo of the shirt to its Facebook page, Belle's Smokin BBQ quickly got criticized by hundreds of users, who called it offensive, vowed not to eat at the business and demanded an apology. More criticism rolled in after the Fairness Campaign posted a photo of the shirt to their Facebook page.
"I posted it at about 6, and at about 10 a.m. is when the threatening calls came," owner Jamie Smith told the Courier Journal in Louisville. "Social media went berserk."
LGBTQ is a title embraced by many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.
"GLBTQ are already waking up every day with a mountain to climb in terms of acceptance. The last thing we need is a food truck mocking us," one man wrote.
"Simple BIGOTRY... sad commentary for a business.. good luck going broke!" a woman posted.
After the backlash, the post was removed and Belle’s apologized in a statement.
“We respect all beliefs and lifestyles and want no ill will towards anyone,” part of the post read.
Despite the criticism, many users also showed support for the business, including some who identified as part of the LGBTQ community.
"How in the world is this hate lol. LOVE the shirts and it’s ridiculous how people get so offended," one woman wrote.
"I'll proudly wear one or any of their shirts. These are great people and awesome food," another woman posted.