A single emoji has landed a well-known Cincinnati doughnut shop in a public relations nightmare. Marcella’s Doughnuts and Bakery is facing severe backlash after its official business account used a vomit symbol to react to news of a local LGBTQ group expanding its operations.
The incident unfolded rapidly on social media and forced the business to issue a public apology for insulting the community. This digital misstep has sparked a wider conversation about inclusivity and business ethics in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Social media reaction ignites immediate controversy
The trouble began when CityBeat, a local lifestyle publication, shared a story on social media. The article detailed how Midwestern Lesbian, a popular resource for the LGBTQ+ community, had signed a lease for new office space.
Readers were shocked to see the official Facebook account for Marcella’s Doughnuts post a “puking” emoji in the comments section. The derogatory reaction appeared directly under the news of the group securing a location in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
Kelsey Ference founded Midwestern Lesbian in 2021. She and her partner Caitlin Dunkley spotted the comment in the early morning hours of December 18.
They did not let the slight go unnoticed. The couple took a screenshot of the offending emoji and shared it to their Instagram story. Their caption was direct and called out the unprofessional behavior.
“Sending homophobic hate comments from your business account is crazy work.”
The post circulated quickly among their followers. The local community began tagging the bakery and demanding an explanation for the public display of disgust toward a marginalized group.
Ference noted that the bakery eventually contacted them privately via Instagram. However, the nature of that contact was not to offer direct amends initially. The bakery reportedly asked the couple to take down their story highlighting the incident.
Ference refused the request. She stated that her intention was to protect her community. She wanted people to know which local businesses were supportive and which were not.
Bakery issues apology amid growing community anger
Facing mounting pressure and a potential boycott, Marcella’s Doughnuts removed the emoji. They posted a formal apology on their Facebook page later that same day.
The statement expressed regret for the harm caused by the post. It also suggested that the incident prompted an internal review of their digital operations.
The bakery’s statement included several promises regarding their future conduct:
- They expressed being “deeply sorry” for the insult.
- They are currently reviewing how their social media is managed.
- They plan to implement safeguards to prevent similar posts.
Despite the public post, Ference confirmed that no one from the bakery management reached out to her personally to apologize.
The apology has done little to quell the frustration of many locals. Social media users continue to share screenshots of the original interaction. Many are questioning how such a specific reaction could happen accidentally.
Marcella’s has a long history in the area. It was founded by Marcella Holtman Poole. She is the daughter of Charles Holtman who is a famous name in Cincinnati doughnut making.
The business is currently family-owned. According to the company website, it is owned by Marcella’s grandson Tristin Meholick alongside his parents Carmen and Cory Meholick. The Enquirer attempted to reach the owners for a clearer explanation but calls were not returned.
New office space marks major milestone for group
The controversy overshadowed what was originally a celebratory moment for Midwestern Lesbian. The group has grown significantly since its inception.
Ference and Dunkley have spent years cultivating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Their new lease represents a physical foothold in the city.
The new office is located at 1447 Walnut Street. It is part of the Willkommen project in the dense and vibrant Over-the-Rhine district. The space is modest but significant.
This move transitions the organization from a digital resource into a physical community hub.
Key Facts About the New Space:
- Location: 1447 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine.
- Size: 654 square feet.
- Developer: Cincinnati Center City Development Corp (3CDC).
- Project: Part of a mixed-use development with historic rehabs.
The developer 3CDC has expressed strong support for the lease signing. They released a press release emphasizing their commitment to diversity.
3CDC noted that they want to cultivate an inclusive mix of businesses in the neighborhood. They also highlighted a long-standing partnership with Ference and Dunkley.
The couple has previously collaborated with the developer on events in civic spaces. This existing relationship makes the backlash from the bakery stand out even more starkly against the otherwise supportive local business landscape.
From social platform to community organizer
Midwestern Lesbian began as a resource but has evolved into an active event organizer. Ference and Dunkley have worked to connect people in real life.
They regularly post social calendars that highlight safe spaces. Their work promotes events at venues like the Birdcage and Bloom OTR.
Their followers rely on them to vet locations. This is why Ference felt it was vital to leave the post about Marcella’s up. She views her platform as a tool for safety as much as for entertainment.
The “puking” emoji incident serves as a reminder of the challenges LGBTQ+ business owners still face. Even as they secure leases in prestigious developments, they encounter resistance.
Digital conduct for businesses is more scrutinized than ever. A single reaction can alienate a massive segment of the local customer base. The fallout for Marcella’s Doughnuts continues to unfold as the community decides whether the apology is sufficient.
This incident highlights the power of social media accountability. It shows how quickly a community can mobilize when they feel disrespect is shown toward their leaders. For now, Midwestern Lesbian is focusing on their expansion and the positive step of opening their doors in Over-the-Rhine.
In the age of digital screenshots, businesses are learning that nothing is truly deleted. The impact of a momentary reaction can last far longer than the time it takes to click “remove.” What do you think about the bakery’s response? Share your thoughts in the comments below using #CincyNews and let us know if you believe the apology was enough.
