Christian Moms Urge Boycott Over Ben and Jerry's 'Schweddy Balls'
The conservative Christian mom group 1 Million Moms is furious with Ben and Jerry’s newest flavor “Schweddy Balls” and is urging supporters to boycott the ice cream brand if more of the jokester flavor is produced.
Ben and Jerry’s has always been known for having a few funny bones in its company, but this time they’ve locked horns with the moms.
The title references the classic Saturday Night Live skit featuring Alec Baldwin, aka Mr. Pete Schweddy, Anna Gasteyer, and Molly Shannon. In the skit, Baldwin is attempting to sell one of his holiday food products, which he refers to as his “Schweddy balls."
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In timely manner, Ben and Jerry’s named their mouthwatering combination of rum flavored ice cream and fudge covered malt balls right before the premiere of SNL’s 37th year anniversary, hosted by Alec Baldwin on September 24.
Although the title was meant to be funny, 1 Million Moms sees it differently.
The conservative Christian group, which is an offshoot of American Family Association, sent an email urging others to notify Ben and Jerry’s of their disgust. On the 1 Million Moms Website, visitors can select to send a pre-composed email threatening to boycott the Ben and Jerry’s company.
“If you continue to use such poor taste and inappropriate marketing choices, I will make a conscious effort to buy from other companies,” reads the email.
The email also describes the title choice as “disrespectful to me and my family.”
Ben and Jerry’s is taking the situation far more lightheartedly.
Spokesman Sean Greenwood agrees that the name is irreverent, “but we’ve always been about having some irreverence and having some fun…We’re not trying to offend people. Our fans get the humor.”
Greenwood also reported to ABC News that he has received about 600 complaints from moms so far.
Not all feedback is negative, however. Ben and Jerry’s says they have received other emails applauding their humor, complimenting them with “we get the joke” and “we love you guys”.
This isn’t the first time the company has churned the butter; in the wake of legalizing gay marriage, they renamed their flavor entitled “Chubby Hubby” to “Hubby Hubby.”
