Washington bar apologises for offering 'tone-deaf' bottomless mimosa special during Brett Kavanaugh hearing
A Washington DC restaurant has apologised for offering a bottomless mimosa promotion to patrons viewing Dr Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony against US Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh on Thursday.
In a now-deleted tweet, Shaw’s Tavern tweeted: “Open at 10am for the hearing. Bar service starts at 11am with bottomless mimosas,” People reports.
The tweet and the bottomless alcohol offer from the popular DC hangout was considered insensitive by some due to the nature of the Senate testimony - Dr Ford was testifying on behalf of her claims that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party in the 1980s.
Although Kavanaugh denies the allegations, Dr Ford alleges that alcohol consumption was a factor in the events that took place that night.
“Not a great look,” commented one person, while another said: “having drink specials for a congressional hearing on accusations of sexual assault seems off.”
Following the backlash over the “tasteless” offer, Shaw’s deleted the tweet and issued an apology on social media.
Unlimited booze to celebrate a hearing related to someone not drinking responsibly (or legally), nice.
— Dave Anderson (@univbee) September 27, 2018
This is... not a great idea.
— Jeff (@nevertweety) September 27, 2018
“We would like to apologise for the feature of bottomless mimosas. We are opening early today serving our breakfast and lunch menus to provide a place for those who wanted to watch the hearing,” the bar wrote on Twitter.
We would like to apologize for the feature of bottomless mimosas. We are opening early today serving our breakfast and lunch menus to provide a place for those who wanted to watch the hearing. Along with that menu, bottomless mimosas are a feature we offer. It was an oversight
— Shaw's Tavern (@ShawsTavern) September 27, 2018
on our part given the very serious circumstances of today's hearing and in no way did we intend to offend anyone or make light of the situation. Shaw's Tavern stands with the victims. Today we will donate all proceeds to RAINN, an American non-profit sexual assault organization.
— Shaw's Tavern (@ShawsTavern) September 27, 2018
It followed up with another apology, adding: “It was an oversight on our part given the very serious circumstances of today’s hearing and in no way did we intend to offend anyone or make light of the situation.
“Shaw’s Tavern stands with the victims.”
The bar also announced that it would be donating all of the day’s proceeds to RAINN, an American non-profit sexual assault organisation.
Shaw’s has previously offered drink specials for viewings of major Capital Hill events, including the testimony for former FBI Director James Comey - during which the bar had a special on Stoli Vodka flavours.
