'Fat people are harder to kidnap': Pizza shop billboard causes controversy

BARBERTON, Ohio (WJW) -- Jeremy Clemetson has owned his East of Chicago Pizza restaurant for 14 years after having been affiliated with the chain since 1995.

Some of the slogans he has used include: "Now Hiring, Must Show Up"; "If it's not there in 30 minutes, move closer"; "Free Box with Every Pizza"; "Our Deep Dish Pizza is as big as a pothole"; and "Tammy, you need to show up to work" after one of his dedicated employees with a sense of humor took extended medical leave.

Among his newest signs is "Fat people are harder to kidnap," which is a slogan that has been used for years on popular T-shirts sold on the internet, used as the name of a Facebook page, and used by a large motel chain to advertise its buffet.

The sign spent weeks on his Facebook page without any negative comments. But Clemetson said he took it down from in front of his store after corporate headquarters received a complaint.

The same email was sent to Fox 8 objecting to the sign as "rude" and suggesting that the reference to kidnapping is in poor taste considering January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, in addition to mocking people who are fat.

"I never even thought about it in that way. Kidnapping is not a joke, we are taking it down. 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," said Clemetson.