Barilla pasta chairman Guido Barilla has recorded a video apologizing for remarks he made this week about gay people which set social media on fire, inspiring international calls for boycotts against the company.
Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP…
Says Barilla in the video:
"Yesterday, I apologized for offending many people around the world. Today I am repeating that apology. Through my entire life I have always respected every person I've met, including gays and their families, without any distinction. I've never discriminated against anyone. I have heard the countless reactions around the world to my words, which have depressed and saddened me. It is clear that I have a lot to learn about the lively debate concerning the evolution of the family. In the coming weeks, I pledge to meet representatives of the group that best represent the evolution of the family, including those who have been offended by my words."
On Wednesday night, company Chair Guido Barilla told the Italian radio show La Zanzara that the company would never make an ad with gay people and if they didn't like it they can find another brand of pasta:
“I would never do an advert with a homosexual family…if the gays don’t like it they can go and eat another brand…For us the concept of the sacred family remains one of the fundamental values of the company….Everyone has the right to do what they want without disturbing those around them…"
He then added: "I have no respect for adoption by gay families because this concerns a person who is not able to choose."
