OAK BROOK, Ill., July 24 (UPI) -- Some people aren't lovin' McDonald's sponsoring a music tour featuring a Chicago rapper identified lyrically as demeaning to women and perpetuating violence.
McDonald's, based in Oak Brook, Ill., this week launches a 10-city concert tour with artists performing free shows in McDonald's parking lots. Among the performers is Twista, who a Chicago-area billboard campaign said is one of seven rappers who degrades woman and perpetuates violence, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday.
"If we are going to continue to put money behind stuff we say we have a problem with, then you're part of the problem," said the Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church, which erected billboards.
Douglas Freeland, McDonald's U.S. director of marketing, said he didn't know about Pfleger's campaign but believes Twista fits within McDonald's brand.
"We're looking for artists that will provide a clean performance, and still resonate with young adults, but do it in a way that is consistent with our brand," Freeland said.
The tour starts Thursday in Los Angeles with Ne-Yo.
The act earning the most fan votes at the end of the tour will be featured in a McDonald's advertising campaign next year.
