LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- Papa John, the n-word and questions over a company in the spotlight.
“We don't believe in racism, that is not who we are. That comment was not OK and we are going to move forward and we are going to show you,” said Victoria Russell, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Papa John’s International. “While it could be discouraging we are going to use this crisis as an opportunity to learn and reflect and move forward.”
Russell recently took over the diversity and inclusion office after being with the company for more than a decade. In that time, she has worked to have the company recognize Martin Luther King Day, Black History Month and LGBT events.
“What I ask of Louisville, my community, is to give us the opportunity to show you who we are,” Russell said.
In the company's only on-camera statements, Russell says the Papa John’s brand is not John Schnatter, but instead a 120,000 member worldwide team that makes up the brand.
It was reported in Forbes magazine that during a media training session on race in May, Schnatter said "Colonel Sanders called blacks n------” and didn't face backlash.
Schnatter apologized, resigned from the company board and the UofL board of trustees.
There have been calls for the university to pull the Papa John's name from the football stadium.
“There was a mistake made, he owned it, we are going to move forward and I ask the community to allow us to show you who we really are,” said Russell.
Russell said they have accomplished a lot in the community and the sign showcases that, adding, “I hope that is not all erased by this because I take pride in our brand.”
Russell said the brand and company stand for inclusion and diversity, something Papa John's is working to improve on--especially at the corporate level.
“We have feelings too. We just want the opportunity to show the world who we really are and I want the world to hold us accountable.”
What will the future of Papa John's look like?
“I am the face of Papa John’s, the customers are the face of Papa John’s, our partners are the face of Papa John’s. We want to evolve and re-invent for you what you believe about our brand,” Russell said.
Russell said the company is not beyond redemption--she says they just have to prove it.
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