Criticism of &pizza's Marion Barry Dessert

The local pizza chain &pizza has faced backlash after launching a dessert called 'Marion Berry Knots,' which critics, including Cora Masters Barry, widow of former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, have labeled 'racist and disrespectful.' The dessert, made with marionberries and topped with powdered sugar, has drawn ire due to its promotional language and imagery that many interpret as referencing Barry's notorious crack cocaine scandal. Cora Masters Barry condemned the product for its insensitivity and expressed her disappointment that the chain did not reach out to her prior to its launch. Council member Christina Henderson and other D.C. leaders have echoed her sentiments, calling for a boycott against the chain. Despite the criticism, &pizza maintains that the dessert was named after the fruit, not the late mayor, and defended its marketing choices. The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about race and representation in public discourse.