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Italian pasta maker Barilla is in hot water for anti-gay remarks its president made in an interview this week.
Guido Barilla, president of Barilla, said on an Italian radio program Wednesday that he wouldn't feature same-sex couples in his company's commercials because he prefers the "traditional" family.
Soon after, LGBT advocates began calling for a boycott of the company. Many flocked to Twitter using the hashtag #BoicottaBarilla.
"Sigh. I'd like my pasta without the side of homophobia, thanks," one Twitter user wrote.
Another directed a tweet at the company: "Dear @BarillaUS I will no longer be feeding my LGBT family your pasta. We are a @Bertolli family now!"
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Barilla issued a statement on Thursday, titled "Guido Barilla's Clarification on gays," apologizing for the remarks.
![Same-sex couple: 'Freedom is priceless'](https://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/130626132437-n-doma-decision-reaction-00004202-1024x576.jpg)
"I apologize if my words have generated controversy or misunderstanding, or if they hurt someone's sensitivity," the statement says. "I have the utmost respect for anyone, without distinction of any kind. I have the utmost respect for gay people and for everyone's right to express themselves. I've also said -- and I would like to reiterate -- that I respect gay marriages. In its advertising, Barilla represents the family -- because it's what welcomes everyone."
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The apology wasn't enough for LGBT advocacy groups.
"These insulting anti-gay comments will not only lead to LGBT people skipping Barilla, but their family members, friends and coworkers as well," said a spokesman for gay rights group GLAAD. "Homophobia is bad for business -- plain and simple."
This isn't the first time consumers have boycotted a company over its stance on LGBT rights. Bars around the world have stopped serving Russian vodka in protest of the country's anti-gay laws, and customers boycotted Chic-fil-A after its CEO expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage.