Coca-Cola deleted language on a webpage that detailed a donation to the Black Lives Matter Global Network after another group associated with the organization posted a pro-Palestine statement during Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel.
The now-deleted text described a $500,000 donation to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) group, along with other initiatives the company took to promote “racial justice,” Fox News reported.
“Earlier this month, Sprite announced a $500,000 contribution to the Black Lives Matter Global Network in a social post committing action in the fight for racial justice. On June 28, the brand debuted a new TV commercial during the 2020 BET Awards telecast showcasing Black America’s resilience, excellence, and optimism. The 60-second spot titled ‘Dreams Realized’ emphasizes Sprite’s commitment to making young Black creators’ dreams a reality and to inspire the next generation to do more and dream bigger,” an archive of the webpage reads, according to Fox News.
After Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, Black Lives Matter Chicago tweeted a picture of an Islamic terrorist paragliding with a Palestine flag, captioned, “I stand with Palestine.” The group later deleted the post and stated that they were not “proud” of their initial decision to share it.
The Hamas attacks in Israel earlier this month killed more than 1,400, including at least 39 Americans, and led to roughly 200 kidnappings. People from 40 countries have been confirmed as dead or missing. Innocent families were killed and tortured in their homes, including babies, according to reports.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) shared a screenshot of the deleted Coca-Cola statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, demanding an apology from the company.
“CAUGHT RED-HANDED,” Cruz tweeted. “@CocaCola deletes its support for BLM. One screenshot is of @CocaCola’s website before BLM supported Hamas parachuting into a concert to kill Israeli civilians. The other is from this morning. Editing your website is not enough. Americans DEMAND an apology.”
Coca-Cola did not respond to a request for comment.
BLM Grassroots released a similar statement on Palestine after the Hamas attacks.
“Black Lives Matter Grassroots stands in solidarity with our Palestinian family who are currently resisting 57 years of settler colonialism and apartheid. As Black people continue the fight to end militarism and mass incarcerations in our own communities, let us understand the resistance in Palestine as an attempt to tear down the gates of the world’s biggest open-air prison,” the statement said, per Newsweek. “As a radical Black organization grounded in abolitionist ideals, we see clear parallels between Black and Palestinian people.”
The BLM global organization told Newsweek that it is not associated with BLM Grassroots or BLM Chicago.
The London Football Association similarly deleted a BLM webpage this month, The Telegraph reported.
