Blue Lives Matter released a statement asking Americans to boycott Ben & Jerry’s after the ice cream company announced their support for Black Lives Matter. The group, made up of retired and active members of law enforcement said the Vermont creamery’s public support is “dangerous.”
“Ben & Jerry’s went beyond making a statement in support of civil rights when they actively accused law enforcement of widespread racism,” the statement reads. “By spreading these false and misleading statements, Ben & Jerry’s lends an appearance of legitimacy to the baseless claims that police officers are killing men based on the color of their skin. This message has inspired the assassination and attempted assassination of police officers, and it costs officers their lives.”
On Oct. 6, Ben & Jerry took to social media to announce their support for Black Lives Matter by stating “We understand that numerous Black Americans and white Americans have profoundly different experiences and outcomes with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. That’s why it’s become clear to us at Ben & Jerry’s that we have a moral obligation to take a stand now for justice and for Black lives.”
Since taking the stance, many have taken to took to social media to thank the ice cream company for their support and using their voice.
Well said. I love you, @benandjerrys and I will eat…I mean promote your product anytime. https://t.co/X3ZEbONfXO
— Boris Kodjoe (@BorisKodjoe) October 8, 2016
this is all we wanted. to know we aren’t crazy or seen as crying wolf. if you see something SAY something. thats all. thanks @benandjerrys https://t.co/BZ8Bt5CZ2s
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) October 7, 2016
“All lives do matter. But all lives will not matter until Black lives matter.”
– #BenAndJerryspic.twitter.com/N14T0nsTsd— Joshua Nyangon (@joshuanyangon) October 7, 2016