Some were appalled that Gandhi's likeness would be used for commerce, particularly to promote beer.
A Connecticut brewery that drew condemnation in the U.S. and India for its beer that carries the name and likeness of Mohandas Gandhi said it's received threats and is seeking a way to end the uproar.
New England Brewery of Woodbridge posted on its Facebook page Wednesday that the Gandhi-Bot beer was intended "to include the things and people in the world that have inspired us." It said it's now looking for a way to "amend this situation," and that it's been the target of unspecified threats and "some truly hurtful assumptions" about its employees.
From the Facebook page:
For nearly five years we’ve been brewing Gandhi-Bot. In those five years we’ve proudly served it to people of all backgrounds. Until this week we’ve never received a single negative comment regarding the label but after a recent article it has come to our attention that the artwork has clearly offended some people. We are a very small company that is passionate about brewing beer and have never had any intention to offend anyone but rather share what we do with anyone interested. Our intentions come from a positive place. In this case we simply wanted to include the things and people in the world that have inspired us and find a way to incorporate them into the work we do. If the ideas and the growth of beliefs could only be inspired by individuals that we agreed 100% with, then the truly great ideas would never have been passed down throughout history. We have a great appreciation for the non-violent benevolent ideas that Gandhi taught. The fact that we consume or make alcohol in no way negates the value we find in what he taught. After threats and some truly hurtful assumptions about the incredibly caring people that work for New England Brewing Company we are working on finding the best way to amend this situation in a manner that both is respectful to those who are offended as well as a way that is manageable for our small company. Thank-you for understanding.
Critics said earlier this week they were appalled that the likeness of Gandhi, who favored prohibition, would be used for commerce, particularly to promote beer.
A brewery representative did not immediately respond to an email seeking more information.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.
