‘Vile’ and ‘tasteless’ Caitlyn Jenner Christmas billboard sparks outrage
By Will Stroude
A company in New Zealand has taken down a festive billboard featuring a transphobic joke about Caitlyn Jenner after it sparked outrage among local LGBT groups.
Cranium Signage decided to remove the “tasteless” and “vile” billboard in Auckland – which features a picture of the transgender reality star with the caption ‘I hope your sack is fuller than mine this Christmas’ – after it went viral on Facebook this week.
According to News.com.au, Cranium’s director Phillip Garratt was initially unapologetic after a local LGBT group complained that the billboard “suggests that you are a homophobic, redneck, conservative company full of small minded morons who get a kick out of making fun of a group of people who feature highly in our suicide statistics…”
Garratt reportedly replied: “We live in a world with difference and I no way discriminate against anyone. I have gay and transgender friends. I think you may need to take a look at yourself and relax a bit and not take life so seriously. I was referring to a santa sack your sick mind is the problem.”
However, the company director later took to Facebook to apologise and announce that that the billboard was in the process of being removed.
“We have removed our post and are now removing the sign tonight due to people taking offence,” he wrote.
“It was not our intention to offend any people in the community/world. I, as the owner have no feelings of discrimination to the Gay or transgender community and if one of my family was I would love them just the same.
“Cait is more then welcome to stay at my house with my family anytime. I will have a wine or a beer with her quite happily and it would be an honour. Lots of love Phil wishing you all a Merry Christmas.”
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