R&B singer and global superstar Mary J. Blige still isn’t pleased with her spot in a 2012 Burger King commercial. According to some critics, the production, which featured the Grammy-winner singing about chicken, appeared to perpetuate harmful stereotypes, sparking backlash and prompting both Blige and the fast food chain to issue public apologies. Today, the “Enough Cryin’” singer is opening up about how the controversy impacted her career and relationships. However, some social media users appear a bit confused by her firm reaction.
Mary J. Blige ‘Would Never Laugh’ Over What Happened With Her And Burger King In 2012
During an interview with Scott Evans, Blige recalled the commercial, in which she sang about “crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, three cheeses, ranch dressing wrapped up in a tasty flour tortilla,” and said she could never find amusement in the scene.
“I would never laugh at that, because my true, honest fans did not think that sh-t was funny,” she said. “The whole way that s— went down was wrong.”
Blige went further, seemingly implying that Burger King slighted her during the process. “The way they shot it was wrong. It was set up to make exactly what happened in the press happen like that,” she said.
Mary J. Blige ‘Learned A Lot’ From Her BK Commercial
The commercial has since become a viral meme, shared on TikTok and Instagram. While Blige said the situation is far from amusing, she also admitted to having grown as a person because of the fallout. “It’s still not a laughing matter to me, because I was deeply, deeply affected. Now, I learned a lot from it,” she said.
Driving her point home, Blige insisted that the commercial was “not f-cking funny.” Even then, she acknowledged that she couldn’t stop people from enjoying it.
“The bottom line is, my fans were confused. The real, true fans,” she added before revealing her representation did little to stop her from filming the spot. “Everybody dropped the ball, and I’m holding everything. That was a learning curve, but still not funny,” she said.
Mary J. Blige Lost Close Friends Over Her Burger King Commercial
Although the commercial aired, Burger King pulled the promo within 24 hours. For Blige, however, the damage had already been done.
“A lot of my so-called friends are not around anymore. I was like a disease to people. Nobody wanted to be affiliated,” she said. “This is where I learned I go where I’m celebrated at. They were treating me like I was a disease or something.”
Blige apologized for her role in 2012, telling TMZ that she didn’t know Burger King was going to release the unfinished version fo the ad.
In her statement, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul acknowledged how the ad might’ve made her supporters feel and maintained that she was unaware of what was coming.
Burger King, meanwhile, also issued a statement, saying the ad was pulled due to a contract issue. “We would like to apologize to Mary J. and all of her fans for airing an ad that was not final,” the company said.
Fans Share Their Reactions After Learning Blige Faced Intense Backlash Over BK Ad
Social media users have been reacting to Blige’s interview with Evans, admitting they were confused by the singer’s serious response.
“Not all of us collectively confused as to why there was backlash,” someone wrote, while another said, “Lost friends? over a silly Burger King commercial? Losing them friends was a blessing.”
A third user wrote, “Am I the only one confused about this situation because I have no idea why anybody would have an issue about this,” and a fourth said, “I was today’s years old when I saw this commercial.”
Others attempted to reassure Blige that the commercial wasn’t as harmful as she may have believed. “Everything is not funny, but this, this is funny,” someone posted.
Blige Snapped At A Fan During A Previous Tour
In 2019, Blige made headlines after she was spotted on camera clapping back at a fan who apparently disrespected her during her “Royalty Tour.”
According to The Blast, a heckler allegedly kept telling Blige to “shut the f-ck up” during her set, prompting her to issue a bold statement.
“… and for the person that’s been in here all night saying Mary shut the f–k up, YOU shut the f–k up,” she screamed.
