The energy drink brand with the co-founder who claims he "wants to puke" when he sees a same-sex couple kissing, is now affirming its support for LGBT people and plans to donate US$100,000 (NZ$159,000) to gay organisations. Michael Savage's anti-gay views, voiced during his controversial radio show, appeared on several LGBT blogs back in April. "You've got to explain to the children... why God told people this was wrong," he said in one broadcast. "The children's minds are being raped by the homosexual mafia, that's my position. They're raping our children's minds." His comments led to calls to boycott the energy drink brand, which is distributed around the world and is a major sponsor of sports events here in New Zealand. Rockstar's CEO Russell Weiner now says, "It has recently come to Rockstar's attention that there might be a misconception about our company's policy and my personal support for LGBT rights. "We apologize for that misunderstanding, and want to make clear today that our company fully supports our LGBT employees and our LGBT customers." The company is "taking bold steps" to ensure the dignity and self worth of its LGBT employees, Weiner's statement continues. The company will promises to donate US$100,000 to a variety of LGBT organizations, including the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, which supports the LGBT citizens of Las Vegas, home of Rockstar energy drinks.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Saturday, 11th July 2009 - 10:29am