Guido Barilla Meets Gay Italian Orgs

The latest development:

Barilla met Arcigay, Arcilesbica, Famiglie Arcobaleno, Gaynet and Equality Italia associations at the Regione Emilia-Romagna headquarters, where former Arcigay president and now regional councillor Franco Grillini has his office. Grillini told Gay Star News: "We spoke about the company’s policies and about the impact on the LGBT community worldwide. Mr Barilla apologized once again and told us they are really worried for the boycotting in North America. The news had a big impact in the United States and they went to the US last week to reinforce their presence in that country." According to Grillini, "We could say Barilla is going to do a pro-gay campaign in the future, but it’s not sure at the moment. We have to meet again and to discuss their new ads. They’ll probably do something for our community, they have understood that LGBTs have a strong power."

Lewis Black Vs Guido Barilla

(Tipped by JMG reader Lorelei)

Pastamore

Clip by Mister Chase, whose music videos have appeared here several times. Sponsored by the hook-up app Mister.  Mildly not work-friendly due to a bare butt.

Bertolli Zings Barilla

Unlike the Garafalo ad we saw yesterday, this one is real. Via AdWeek:

Barilla is struggling enough this week without its competitors piling on. But Bertolli doesn't care. Seizing on comments made by Barilla's chairman about how the company would never put gay couples in its advertising, Bertolli Germany quickly posted pro-gay imagery in its social feeds, happily taking advantage of its rival's misstep. "Love and pasta for all!" reads the caption on the Facebook photo above. "We just wanted to spread the news that Bertolli welcomes everyone, especially those with an empty stomach," a rep for Orca im Hafen, Bertolli's social-media agency in Germany, tells AdFreak.

(Tipped by JMG reader Larry)

Quote Of The Day - Guido Barilla

"Yesterday I apologized for offending many people around the world. Today I am repeating that apology. Through my entire life I have always respected every person I've met, including gays and their families, without any distinction. I've never discriminated against anyone. I have heard the countless reactions around the world to my words, which have depressed and saddened me. It is clear that I have a lot to learn about the lively debate concerning the evolution of the family. In the coming weeks, I pledge to meet representatives of the group that best represent the evolution of the family, including those who have been offended by my words." - Guido Barilla, in a video message posted yesterday to the company's Facebook page.

Gays Are Bullying Barilla

Petition Of The Day

The petition was launched by "the Italian mother" of GLAAD vice president Rich Ferraro.

US Division Of Barilla Apologizes

In case you missed it yesterday, here's the back story.

Pasta Rival Zings Barilla [UPDATED]

Translation via Reddit: "To us, it doesn't matter with whom you do it, it only matters that you do it al dente." (Tipped by JMG reader Jake)

UPDATE: Garofalo is denying having made the image. 

Barilla Doesn't Want Gay Customers

The Italy-based Barilla pasta company has made it clear that they don't want gay customers.

Guido Barilla, whose firm has almost half the Italian pasta market and a quarter of that in the US, told Italy’s La Zanzara radio show last night: “I would never do an advert with a homosexual family…if the gays don’t like it they can go an eat another brand. “For us the concept of the sacred family remains one of the fundamental values of the company.” He added: “Everyone has the right to do what they want without disturbing those around them”. But then the pasta magnate upped the ante by attacking gay adoption. “I have no respect for adoption by gay families because this concerns a person who is not able to choose," he said.

Barilla has already retreated from his remarks, saying that he only wanted to "underline the central role of the woman in the family." Needless to say, the boycott calls have already begun. (Image via Towleroad)