Shopper’s Viral Tik Tok Sparks National Debate
Kroger Juneteenth cake controversy erupted after a viral TikTok by Blaq Monalisa criticized the chain’s disrespectful designs. Her video, titled “I am done with Krogers,” gained over 6 million views and led Kroger to remove the desserts from shelves.
🇺🇸 What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops informed the last enslaved people in Texas that they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2021, it became a federal holiday.
The Cakes in Question
The TikTok creator and viewers alike heavily criticized the cakes, including one with blue icing that read “free @ last.” Many called out the careless presentation, especially when compared to the store’s other celebratory baked goods.
“Y’all decorate everything else around here cute… but for Juneteenth, you wanna just throw something on a freaking cookie cake?” — Blaq Monalisa
One dessert even said “Congratulations”, which some viewers joked looked more like a jail release celebration than a nod to a historic civil rights milestone.
Kroger Responds to the Backlash
In a statement to DailyMail.com, Kroger admitted the cakes violated their internal guidelines and emphasized it was an “isolated incident.”
“The cakes and cookies in the video were inconsistent with our provided guidance and not of the quality we would expect… The products have been removed.” — Kroger spokesperson
The original shopper confirmed that by the next day, all Juneteenth-themed desserts were gone, though she expressed disappointment that better replacements were not offered.
Online Reactions Pour In
Many users echoed the TikTok creator’s frustration:
- “Why I immediately thought the ‘free @ last’ was for someone getting outta jail.”
- “Not the last one saying ‘Congratulations’… like ‘Congrats, you’re free!’”
- “They DEAD WRONG!”
The episode has reignited debates around corporate handling of Black holidays and the need for cultural sensitivity in marketing.
The Complete Picture
Brands are under more and more pressure to honor Juneteenth’s importance as it becomes more widely recognized. Consumers deserve substantial and considerate representation, not simply token efforts.
Source: Daily Mail
