Restaurant apologises after selling 'Weinstein' burger
The restaurant has been accused of 'making light of sexual assault'
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Your support makes all the difference.A restaurant has issued a public apology for offering a burger named after Harvey Weinstein.
Randy’s Hardcore Hamburgers in Sheffield, described on its website as “nothing but dirty burgers, dirty antics” has since removed the offensive “Weinstein” burger after it sparked criticism on social media for “belittling sexual offences.”
The burger, named after the former film mogul who has been accused of sexually abusing dozens of women, was just one of multiple offensive items listed on the restaurant’s menu - which also features names like “Casting Couch” and “Fake Taxi.”
Weinstein was arrested in New York in May and charged with rape and sexual assault before being released on bail. He denies all allegations of non-consensual sexual conduct.
Following backlash on social media, the newly-opened restaurant issued an apology on Facebook, where it wrote: “Randy’s Hardcore Hamburgers Sheffield would like to genuinely apologise for any offence it has caused for its insensitive naming of the Weinstein burger. And as such have amended our menu.
“At no point does Randy’s look to glamorise or promote sexual assault towards any member of the community.
“We realise our mistake and trust that the people of Sheffield accept our sincere apologies and understand that we are guilty of nothing more than poor taste.”
Despite the apology, people are still criticising the restaurant - and pointing out that the Weinstein burger was just a part of the store’s bigger issue of making light of sexual assault.
“This apology still only talks about one burger despite the many other names being used to normalise or glamorise sexual assault. So you still aren’t getting it,” one person commented.
Another said: “Weinstein wasn’t the only unacceptable name, several joke names about sexual assault are not okay.”
The menu section of the website appears to have been taken down following the criticism.
However, restaurant manager Kishayne Wright told the Sheffield Star that, while he understands “where people’s criticism was coming from,” he didn’t think people “were going to be so sensitive about it.”
“It’s not like we are encouraging people to commit sexual acts,” he said.
The Independent has contacted Randy’s Hardcore Hamburgers for comment.
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