DC Pizza Chain Slammed Over ‘Racist’ Dessert

A new dessert named after former D.C. mayor Marion Barry has sparked outrage from his widow, Cora Masters Barry, who called the dish “racist and disrespectful.”

The dessert, called “Marion Berry Knots,” was launched by the restaurant chain &pizza. It features dough knots filled with berries, topped with powdered sugar and vanilla icing. But the promotional material has drawn heavy criticism. The ad reads: “Bump up the party with our all-new Marion Berry Knots! Enough powder for you and a few friends! It’s criminal how good these are.”

For many, the reference to powdered sugar and the phrase “It’s criminal” were seen as a clear nod to Barry’s infamous 1990 arrest for crack cocaine possession. Cora Masters Barry was quick to speak out. “I just think it’s racist. In this city, it is outrageously racist,” she told DC News Now. “You can print that. It’s racist and disrespectful.” She noted that she was not contacted by the chain before the dessert was created.

Marion Barry was a highly influential figure in D.C. politics. Elected mayor in 1978, he served three consecutive terms and became a symbol of D.C.’s fight for home rule and representation. Though his personal life was marred by scandal—most notably his arrest in 1990 and subsequent time in prison—he remained beloved by many in D.C. communities, particularly those who felt neglected by the federal government. He was reelected in 1994, cementing his complex legacy as both a political leader and a polarizing figure.

The controversy over the dessert quickly gained traction. D.C. Council member Christina Henderson joined the criticism, calling the product “tone-deaf and hella disrespectful.” Other officials even suggested boycotting the restaurant.

&pizza defended the dish. CEO Mike Burns responded, “We’re talking about a marionberry, spelled with an ‘e’. We stuff that into a knot, drizzle it with icing, and then top it with powdered sugar. It’s delicious – we can’t wait for D.C. to try it.”

The restaurant also prides itself on being an “anti-establishment establishment.” Burns, who took over the company this year, said he’s working to bring the brand back to its “punk roots.” Some see the dessert as an attempt to maintain an edgy image, but for many, the jokes about powdered sugar cross a line.

The controversy taps into a broader cultural moment. Many are fed up with cancel culture, where anything offensive is quickly taken down. But in this case, it’s not just about a dessert. It’s about the respect—or lack thereof—shown to a figure who, despite his flaws, made a lasting impact on D.C.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.