Wrigley distances itself from Trump Jr. Skittles refugee analogy
In his tweet, Trump Jr. attached with an image that said: “If I had a bowl of Skittles and I told you just three would kill you. Would you take a handful? That’s our Syrian refugee problem,” he wrote, “This image says it all. Let’s end the politically correct agenda that doesn’t put America first.”
This image says it all. Let's end the politically correct agenda that doesn't put America first. #trump2016pic.twitter.com/9fHwog7ssN
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 19, 2016
The Wrigley brand responded to Trump Jr.’s tweet in an official statement, saying, “Skittles are candy. Refugees are people. We don’t feel it’s an appropriate analogy. We will respectfully refrain from further commentary as anything we say could be misinterpreted as marketing.”
Trump Jr. faced public criticism for the tweet and it also drew a backlash from the former US representative turned conservative talk radio host, Joe Walsh. He posted a screenshot of a nearly identical tweet he made over a month ago, and responded online to Trump Jr, “glad you agree”.
Hey @DonaldJTrumpJr, that's the point I made last month.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) September 20, 2016
Glad you agree. pic.twitter.com/Nssw6KC1HY
Soon after the Skittles tweet stirred the internet, a parody account named “Skittle for Trump” was created.
Mars recently added a new Skittles line as part of its $50m Wrigley factory expansion plan, ConfectioneryNews previously reported. The expansion, according to the company, came shortly after the Skittles launched new seasonal flavor due to the rapid growth of the brand.
