‘Fat People Are Harder To Kidnap’: Pizzeria Removes Billboard Over Comedic Timing

The owner of East of Chicago Pizza in Barberton, Ohio, has agreed to remove a billboard reading “Fat People Are Harder To Kidnap” after someone filed a complaint to the chain’s corporate headquarters about the advertisement’s timing. 

According to Fox News, Jeremy Clemetson, the owner of the pizzeria’s franchise location, was told by the corporate headquarter’s office that a person had filed a complaint about the sign being displayed during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, which happens every year during January. 

“I never even thought about it in that way, and as soon as I thought it, because kidnapping is not a joke, we are taking it down,” Clemetson told the news agency, which describes him as “sensitive” to the concern. 

“I have seven kids of my own,” said Clemetson. “I’m from the community here. I’ve lived here pretty much all of my life. I live in Barberton. I have strong roots here. I never even thought about it as the kidnapping aspect. I just meant it to be funny.”

After the news agency caught wind of the story, the pizza shop published a post to Facebook asking followers for thoughts on the matter, and received a wave of support. 

“As a plus sized gal I found the billboard hilarious! No offense taken,” replied one user, with another user pointing out “this saying has been around for a while.

“I think it’s down right hilarious. I look forward to all your billboards. Don’t take it down, it’s awesome,” said another user. 

According to Fox News, Clemetson likes to display funny signs to draw attention to his pizza shop, and past slogans have included “free box with every pizza,” and “if it’s not there in 30 minutes, move closer.”

Although the advertisement has been taken down, the pizza shop has continued to post funny signs onto the billboard in front of the shop, with the new signs reading “free air guitar with every purchase,” and “now selling medical marinara,” according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.