A coffee shop in the east of London has come in for criticism after signs were placed outside their shop which some have said are both racist and discriminate against fat people.
In one incident, they put out a sign that said:
"Sorry no fatties."
While earlier in the year they put out a sign on a bench that said:
"This is the longest that something made in China has ever lasted."
The sign being a reference to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which is believed to have originated in China.
The Bethnal Green coffee shop is called F***offee.
Many on social-media were quick to criticise the signs.
A complainer, Luisa-Christie, said:
"Hi @F***offee_HQ wtf is this? Just got sent this by a friend & before you defend as 'dark humour' it's not - it's fatphobia. If the bench isn't strong to be sat on then don't put it outside your coffee shop, or alternatively make it strong so anyone/multiple people can sit..."
Chanté Joseph, a writer and presenter, added:
"F***offee is an aged coffee shop in Bethnal Green that thinks fatphobia, racism and rape jokes are a unique form of humor [sic]. If you live in that area I suggest you find somewhere else to buy your coffee."
The store owner responded by saying:
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any racially insensitive imagery that has been posted on behalf of F***offee. I take full responsibility. As a black person, I saw this as satirical and mocking the stereotypes with which society stigmatises us. My perspective is not yours, and you should not be forced to view it. I will stress that our humour may cut close to others' sensitivities, but at no point does it emanate malicious intent."
Their website later stated:
"You guys have spoken and we listened. But it really is down to choice. F***offee never seeks to exclude and encourages freedom to express. This account has adult content and humour and we make 'jokes' because the world can be a harsh place to live in and so we mock ourselves."
[LADBIBLE]
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