Otter Pops Apologized for Offering Freezies to Black Lives Matter Protesters in Portland, Oregon

Otter Pops apologized for a post that “appeared to align the brand with a political movement”

Protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd are continuing daily around the country, and in many places volunteers have popped up specifically to feed those in the streets. Most of these volunteers and groups rely on monetary donations, and occasionally donations of products from brands who want to help the cause. Twitter user @PDXCarMedic, who has been distributing supplies at protests in Portland, recently asked childhood favorite Otter Pops if it’d be willing to donate some ice pops for overheated protesters in need of sugar replenishment. Initially the account responded “We 100% do. Send us a DM and we will see how we can help!,” but later deleted the response, and issued a retraction.

Otter Pops claimed the initial message was sent by an “individual consultant,” and apologized “if anyone was offended by that comment, which was not representative of our brand.” Regardless of whether or not anyone was offended by the first comment, Otter Pops is now facing backlash from those who see this as a rejection of Black Lives Matter, with many pledging to boycott the summer staple. In a statement to Willamette Weekly, Otter Pops says it “was not a reaction to complaints or tweets from outside parties, it was made because Otter Pops does not align with any political group or organization.” Just a good Friday lesson on never looking to brands for politics.

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