Penzeys Spices CEO renames MLK weekend ‘Republicans are racist weekend’ in newsletter to customers

In a newsletter released to customers this week, owner Bill Penzey wrote: "Remember how Republicans, going against a mountain of evidence to the contrary, once again lied and said BLM wasn't a peaceful movement but instead terrorists inciting violence throughout the country and then raced out to buy a crapload of guns because maybe they were finally going to get their chance to shoot a Black person? What a bunch of racists."

He continued: "The racist label is one you will deservingly wear every day you stand with [Republicans.] Get used to it, or maybe instead, become a better person. The choice is yours. We will be here rooting for you to Choose Love."

Penzey's message follows another statement earlier this month where he called Republican voters the "number one threat to this country."

The letter has quickly caused controversy. According to Fox Business, a lifelong Penzeys customer from an investment firm said that he had thought that someone hacked Penzeys and sent out the email.

"I am not a Democrat or a Republican, having never registered for either party. I am, however, first and foremost a patriot and as such I recognize the difficult time our country is facing right now as various factions inside and out try to foment discord amongst us," the anonymous source told Fox Business. "The fact that any company feels they can make a such a patently absurd statement like this and not immediately be condemned by all is testament to how far things have deteriorated in this great country."

"Our nation faces many challenges, and it's incumbent on all Americans to find ways to bring us closer together to face the many challenges that lie ahead. Companies, politicians, celebrities – anyone who has a platform should be working towards that and recognized and rewarded for that contribution," he said.

He concluded: "In much the same way, those that seek to further create dissent and sow discord should be rebuked and face condemnation for their actions."