The Swedish furniture company posted promotional ads on its website that members of its IKEA Family programme are entitled to discounted ticket prices for Faith Community Baptist Church’s (FCBC) Lawrence Khong’s “Vision” magic show in July.
After some netizens took to its Facebook page over the weekend to criticize its decision to support the event, IKEA Singapore said today (April 20) it recognizes that the “promotional collaboration” has “raised sensitivities” among members of the public.
“We have been in contact with the show’s organizers (today) and hope to find a resolution that is agreeable to both parties,” an IKEA Singapore spokesperson told TODAY. At press time, the ad promoting the event was still up on the IKEA Family official website.
When contacted today, an FCBC spokesperson said the church will probably issue a statement tomorrow.
Earlier in the day, the furniture retailer was reported to be reviewing its support for the magic show.
Mr Khong has been publicly voicing his views opposing homosexuality, ever since he appealed to the Government in 2013 to retain a law that criminalizes sex between men.
IKEA Singapore’s collaboration with Mr Khong’s show had drawn some consumers to threaten a boycott of the brand on its Facebook page, as well as some who supported its move.
One Facebook user going by the name of Sandara Tang wrote: “I am disappointed in you, Ikea, for supporting such a hateful and bigoted cause.”
Another, going by Michael Lee, wrote: “Thank you Ikea for celebrating true diversity by embracing the traditional marriage. Supporting traditional family is good for business and makes business sense. Do what is right for yourself. Make a stand for the family.”
The furniture giant says it reviewed the show's content and found that it "offers high entertainment value". The review came after public objections over its support for the pastor's magic show.
Ikea Singapore's statement reproduced in full:
“Thanks to our loyal customers for your patience while we at Ikea Singapore took time to come to an informed decision on an issue that has raised sensitivities in our community. We were concerned about the questions raised and decided to do a thorough review. We have spoken directly with the organizers, reviewed the content and confirmed that the Vision show offers high family entertainment value and, on that basis, we are continuing our promotional tie-up.
As a company, Ikea Singapore respects the diversity and equality of all people living in our community. We also respect that all individuals have a right to their opinions and personal choices, including the freedom to choose their preferred entertainment.”
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