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Berenstain Bears Try To Avoid Chick-Fil-A Hateration, Publisher Not So Much

Those beloved children’s-book anthromorphs the Berenstain Family are sidestepping the controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A.

On their website, the furry family explained that the Berenstain Bears books being given away with kid’s meals at the fast-food chain next month shouldn’t be construed as any kind of endorsement of the company’s anti-equality policies. Sort of.

Our publisher, HarperCollins, is marketing several of their Berenstain Bears titles through a kids’ meal promotion at Chick-Fil-A scheduled for August. This program was in development for over a year. We were unaware of any controversy involving Chick-Fil-A until July 25th.

The Berenstain family does not at this time have control over whether this program proceeds or not. We hope those concerned about this issue will direct their comments toward HarperCollins and Chick-Fil-A.

Well, it’s more of an ass-saving measure than a stand against intolerance, but anything that gives Chick-fil-A a black eye is a plus in our book.

Yesterday, the above note was accompanied by a message from HarperCollins that read: “We have a long history of diversity and inclusiveness and are very disappointed to hear recent statements made by Chick-fil-A. After much consideration, we have decided to honor our previous arrangement, with the chain. We have no plans to work with them in the future.”

But by Tuesday, the HarperCollins statement was removed. NBC News reports it was told the comment was “an unauthorized statement.”

 

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