‘Fat people are harder to kidnap.’ Ohio pizza shop explains controversial billboard ad

A pizza shop in Ohio removed its billboard on Monday after members of the community said it was insensitive.

East Chicago Pizza in Barberton is known for its silly signs that owner Jeremy Clemetson started putting up six months ago in the hope of bringing in more business, WOIO reported.

He says in the past, his signs have sported quotes such as “legalize marinara,” “free box with every pizza” and “our pizza is deep as potholes,” according to the outlet.

But some say his most recent billboard went too far.

The quote that bristled the community? “Fat people are harder to kidnap.”

Clemetson posted a photo of the sign to Facebook, where it stayed for weeks without negative comments, but then corporate headquarters got a complaint, WJW reported.

The complaint called the sign “rude” and “in poor taste” because it mocked people who are fat, adding that January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month, according to the outlet.

Clemetson says the trafficking element never occurred to him.

“I’ve got some heavier workers and we all discussed it, and we all thought it was funny,” he told the Akron Beacon Journal. “I didn’t even realize that it might be insensitive as far as the kidnapping aspect.”

Before it was removed, Cleveland.com posted video of the sign to Facebook and the comments poured in.

“I have seen the same type of wording on other signs ... all across NE Ohio. No big deal was made of it. Why now. NOT offensive,” one user wrote.

“Definitely not funny! Body shaming is a real thing! How [about] saying skinny [people] are easy to kidnap? With all the human trafficking now how is it funny?” another wrote.

“I am fat, and I am not offended...it would be harder to pick me up!!” wrote a third.

“Definitely bad taste in advertising. Human trafficking is an issue,” wrote another.

Clemetson, a father of seven, removed the billboard but says passersby should expect a funny one to go up in its place, the Beacon Journal reported.

“I never even thought about it in that way. Kidnapping is not a joke, we are taking it down,” he told WJW. “But there are still going to be more funny signs up here and more funny signs around the community, and if anyone has any comments, my door is always open.”