US-themed burger joint, Downtown Brooklyn, has written a lengthy apology for “offending” Indigenous Australians after posting about "Invasion Day bandwagoners” and appearing to mock the final words of African American man, George Floyd.
The now-deleted Facebook post listed three “great things about today”, with number three being “364 more sleeps til we have to listen to the Invasion Day bandwagoners again!”
As people expressed outrage in the comments section, the western Sydney restaurant wrote another comment that appeared to ridicule Mr Floyd’s death.
Mr Floyd was killed after US policemen kneeled on his neck last year. He said “I can’t breathe” 17 times before he eventually lost consciousness.
Downtown Brooklyn made a post about Invasion day "bandwagoners" just months after posting a black tile during the BLM protests. Source: Facebook
“Sorry for the late reply, been f***ing busy,” Downtown Brooklyn’s comment began.
“This was to pay respects for one of our customers. They had a Cheat Platter with a Big Poppa. Like this thing was massive. Loaded fries, wings, onion wings, 4 patties, 4 bacon, 4 cheese - you get the gist yeah?”
“Well after this man accomplished this amazing feat all he was able to murmur was, I can’t breathe. So was fitting to show our support.”
Those offended by the post were quick to point out that last June the restaurant posted a black square in an act of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Restaurant owner, Chris O’Shea, took to social media on Monday night to apologise to the Indigenous community over “how the post was construed”.
“The point #3 was made in regards to social influencers and how they love to jump on bandwagons,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately somewhere along the line, this has been misconstrued as being racist, and it has taken off from there,” he said, adding, “the post was never meant to be racist in any way shape or form.”
Mr O’Shea also claimed the restaurant, which has previously posted photos of ‘leftist tears’, “like to push the boundaries” when it comes to marketing.
“I will cop the hate, cop the flack, and cop the damages that will still continue as most will say this is backpedalling. This was never meant to be a hateful or racist post,” Mr O’Shea wrote.
The Feed has contacted Downtown Brooklyn for comment.
