Mary J. Blige Burger King Commercial: Chicken Ad Has Some Crying Foul

Jim Spellman, WireImage

In a move that's either taken "black people back 60 years," as one YouTube commenter writes, or simply added another name to the list of pop stars who have shilled for big corporations, Mary J. Blige sings about chicken wraps in a new Burger King commercial -- watch the video below.

"Crispy chicken, fresh lettuce, three cheeses, ranch dressing wrapped up in a tasty, flour tortilla," Mary sings, infusing that ingredient rundown with a soulfulness that suggests she's in on the joke.

Still, fans are divided on the spot, and some have accused the "No More Drama" songstress of selling out. It doesn't help that the product in question is chicken, which comes peppered and seasoned with all sorts of racist connotations.

As Billboard reports, Blige is the latest in a string of celebs to throw their support behind BK, a chain struggling to reverse sagging fortunes. Salma Hayak, Jay Leno and David Beckham have recently shot ads, but with Blige, the company has pulled off some kind of coup. If the King really wants to rebound from hardship and hold his head high, he'd do well to stand with Mary, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

After all, she's always been an exemplar of dignity and strength, and it'll probably take more than one chicken commercial to sully her good name. What do you think -- has the damage already been done?

Watch Mary J. Blige's Burger King Ad

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Overflow2k7

I see race is a senstive issue but I was listening to a radion statio this morning and the host made a valid point. Why can other cultures talk about their food and be proud of it but when black people talk about chicken which is apart of our culture we get offended? This issue is weak!! Mary do your thing!!

April 05 2012 at 6:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DMac

Take the money Mary J. Enjoy it as the rest of us enjoy chicken whether white, black hispanic or asian... We all love it. For those folks stuck back in racism.... have a leg or a breast and shut up.

April 05 2012 at 6:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Janae

What is this world come to today that is crazy.

April 05 2012 at 4:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nathan

I guess black people aren't allowed to sell fried chicken on TV? Is that the 'racism' that everyone is referring to? Or is this just a red meat garbage story published for views?

April 05 2012 at 11:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
VIVIAN

I meant 94% of crime being committed against against young black males is committed (BY) other young black males.

April 05 2012 at 12:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
VIVIAN

I'm black and I like chicken also, even though I would rather have it baked than fried. It's healthier than Red meat, so I have been told. Anyway none of the people crying about her add taking black people back 60 years would lift a finger to help her pay a bill or help her out of foreclosure if she needed it. They need to write about 94% of crime against young black males being committed against other young black males, now that's something to cry and write about. Hey now here'r an idea "let's try to do something to change that".

April 05 2012 at 12:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Syntax Error

Youre kidding me Kenneth Partridge right? How is that full of racist connotations? You are promoting a non issue. And is utterly ridiculous. Get a clue!!

April 04 2012 at 7:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pugzy000

WHAT DOES THE COMMERCIAL HAVE TO DO WITH TAKING BLACKS BACK 60 YEARS?????? I AM LOST WITH THIS ONE

April 03 2012 at 12:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to pugzy000's comment
Judy Phillips

You know....black people like watermelon...red kool aid...and CHICKEN!!! Come on black people...we have more things to worry about than Mary singing about chicken...hell...I like chicken!!

April 03 2012 at 3:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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