DC pizza chain faces criticism for dessert named after former mayor.

The wife of a former D.C. mayor who was known for his controversial actions is not pleased with a dessert that bears her late husband's name.

At &pizza, Cora Masters Barry labeled the new "Marion Barry Knots" dish as "offensive and disrespectful."

"Elevate your party with our new Marion Berry Knots! Want to know what you're getting into?" &pizza announced in a press release about the limited-time item. "These knots are made with juicy berries, coated in creamy vanilla icing, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. You won't believe how good they are!"

In 1978, Barry, who passed away in 2014, was elected D.C. mayor and served three consecutive terms. He was reelected in 1994 after serving time for crack cocaine possession, generating significant national attention.

The ultimate headline grabber for a good time is the powdered sugar in the Marion Berry Knots. Customers will bump elbows to order and even force the DEA to look twice, as announced in a press release by &pizza.

The promotional photo on the &pizza website showcases the dessert's launch with a small pile of white powder and the phrase "These knots will blow you away."

Cora Masters Barry, Barry's wife, stated that the dessert is racist and disrespectful. She said she was not contacted by the pizza chain about the dessert.

The Washingtonian reported that D.C. Council member Christina Henderson described the dessert as "tone deaf and disrespectful," prompting other officials to call for a boycott.

Mike Burns, CEO of &Pizza, stated in a Washingtonian interview that they are discussing a marionberry, which is spelled with an 'e'. They stuff it into a knot, drizzle it with icing, and top it with powdered sugar. This dessert is delectable and they are eager for D.C. to try it.

Burns, who took over as CEO of &pizza earlier this year, stated that he intended to restore the brand's "punk roots" and position it as an "anti-establishment establishment."

&pizza and BML Public Relations were contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment.