&pizza Faces Backlash for Marion Berry Knots Ad

A marketing campaign by the pizza chain &pizza has sparked protests for its 'Marion Berry Knots' dessert, which many believe mocks the late D.C. Mayor Marion Barry's drug use. The dessert's promotion includes references to drug culture, with ads describing it as 'so good it's likely a felony' and using imagery reminiscent of cocaine. Barry's widow, Cora Masters Barry, and community activists have called the ad 'racist' and 'disrespectful,' demanding an apology and removal of the item. Protests have occurred outside &pizza locations, and one store was vandalized. Despite the backlash, &pizza's CEO insists the dessert is named after marionberries, not the former mayor, and is intended as a fun product. The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities around Barry's complex legacy in Washington, D.C.