The Italian American One Voice Coalition, the nation's largest Italian American anti-bias organization, revealed they've received an apology from Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne for his use of a pejorative term, offensive towards Italian Americans at a press conference at the Detroit Auto Show.
Marchionne was discussing the long-delayed introduction of the new generation of Afia Romeos when he said the now controversial term according to a press release issued by One Voice.
"I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it needs to be a wop engine," said Marchionne according to Reuters at the event.
After reporters seemed shocked at his use of the term, Marchionne turned to one of them and said "Why are you surprised?"
The CEO said that he was of the understanding that the use of the derogatory term was funny, and he used the term "in jest." His opinion changed however after a strong and relentless campaign by One Voice, led by Founder and President Dr. Manny Alfano.
During their effort to get an apology from Marchionne, One Voice sent out emails and letters emphasizing ethnic slurs and negative images are "not funny" and are extremely damaging to the Italian American community.
Marchionne issued a letter to the Coalition, where he admitted his remarks were "unacceptable" and apologized to anyone who was offended by his statement.
"We are so pleased that Mr. Marchionne has responded to our efforts," said Alfano after receiving Marchionne's letter. "On behalf of our Board of Directors, our members, Coalition Organizations and Italian Americans in general, I thank Mr. Marchionne and Chrysler/Fiat for their sensitivity to our concerns."
The letter is posted at the One Voice Facebook page. Alfano also thanked Chrysler Senior VP, Jody Trapasso and the Chrysler/Fiat PR staff as well.
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