NY pizzeria apologizes for promoting racist ‘Pic-a-Nika’ pizza

theGrio REPORT - A New York pizzeria has come forward to apologize for what many people are claiming is a racist pizza.

Aug 16, 2015

A New York pizzeria has come forward to apologize for what many people are claiming is a racist pizza.

The pizza, called “Pic-a-Nika” features southern fried chicken as well as watermelon, and many people have pointed out that this, along with the name, which resembles the n-word, suggests a racial undertone.

“Y’all want to stay permanently asleep in re: NYC racism. Latest ex: Pic a nika pizza w/ sea salted watermelon + fried chicken toppings. LOL,” said one twitter user.

Y'all want to stay permanently asleep in re: NYC racism. Latest ex: Pic a nika pizza w/ sea salted watermelon + fried chicken toppings. LOL

— Eri (@eri_cyrus) August 14, 2015

Victor Guzman, manager of Pizza by Certé, has since come forward with an apology, saying that the pizza was supposed to be an exaggerated play on how an Italian would pronounce the word “picnic.”

“To the people of New York City and to those who were offended by the sign. And specifically and especially to the Black Community, we are (gravely,deeply, truly) sorry,” the restaurant said in an apology posted to Facebook.

“When we named the pizza “Pic-a-Nika” we disrespected an entire community, perpetuated a hurtful ideology and brought embarrassment to ourselves. In a time and climate when words carry so much change, we chose beyond poorly and cannot erase or ignore the damaging effects it has caused. It’s tough to think that we did something so HURTFUL. We made a shameful mistake. Once again, we are sorry.”