Burkhart’s under fire after owner’s racist Facebook posts

The owners of popular LGBTQ Atlanta bar Burkhart’s are facing a torrent of criticism over Facebook posts from one’s account referring to former President Barack Obama by a racial slur among other controversial statements. The bar’s entire entertainment lineup has resigned and offers are being entertained to purchase the bar from the beleaguered owners.

Screenshots of the posts from the account of Burkhart’s owner Palmer Marsh began circulating on social media on Jan. 19. In addition to the racial slur against President Obama, one post says “If the South had won, we would be a hell of a lot better off,” and another says “My Confederate money that I inherited is on my kitchen counter right now! Steal the money if you like, but don’t try to take my flag because you might get seriously injured by doing so.”

WUSSY Magazine posted the screenshots on the evening of Jan. 19 and Burkhart’s GM Don Hunnewell issued a statement to Georgia Voice on Jan. 20 in which he stuck up for the bar’s employees, talked about his intentions to leave his position and offered to pass along any offers to purchase the bar.

The bar’s entire drag entertainment lineup resigned on Jan. 25 as the controversy hit national headlines.

“This isn’t so much about racism,” Alissah Brooks, who performed at the bar on Fridays, told Georgia Voice after resigning. “It’s more about the girls who have worked here and not only putting up with [racism] but what we’re paid and how we’re treated,