Brewery seeks to end uproar over Gandhi beer name, label

In a Jan. 22, 1948 file photo, Mohandas K. Gandhi squats before a microphone in New Delhi, India, to deliver prayer meeting discourse during second day of his fast to force communal peace in India. New England Brewing Co. in Connecticut is apologizing to Indians offended that the company is using Mohandas Gandhi's name and likeness on one of its beers. AP
In a Jan. 22, 1948 file photo, Mohandas K. Gandhi squats before a microphone in New Delhi, India, to deliver prayer meeting discourse during second day of his fast to force communal peace in India. New England Brewing Co. in Connecticut is apologizing to Indians offended that the company is using Mohandas Gandhi’s name and likeness on one of its beers. AP

 

 

 

 

WOODBRIDGE, Connecticut — A brewery that drew condemnation in the U.S. and India for its beer that carries the name and likeness of Gandhi says it’s received threats and is seeking a way to end the uproar.

 

New England Brewery of Connecticut 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 says it’s now looking for a way to “amend this situation.”

 

The company said it’s been the target of unspecified threats and “some truly hurtful assumptions” about its employees.

 

Critics said 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.

 

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