The vegan community in Dubai have spoken out against the actions of the resto, Hapi, who blocked several accounts following furious comments about the misbranding of its dishes.

It all started when Hapi uploaded a photo of a plate of chicken via its IG account, after which a number of vegans noticed the use of the hashtag #veganindubai- when the only vegan items were the side dishes.

The vegan community’s comments got the attention of the resto

Several people mentioned their concern over the misuse of the hashtag, after which a social media team from Hapi responded back a bit personally, eventually debating certain aspects of veganism.

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The team at Hapi then issued an apology on the post

…saying that the events and how it was handled, “did not represent the values of the restaurant.”

The apology was posted after those who had initially expressed their concerns were blocked, and comments deleted. The vegan community followed up with a statement on Wednesday, asking Hapi to unblock those who deserve the apology and the right to express their opinions.

..to which the community’s response was as follows

“We believe that an institution has the social responsibility to treat consumers with care and sensitivity and respect their opinions. Even when feeling attacked by an individual, an institution should not respond with an “individual” attack back.”

– @dubaivegancommunity

The statement ended with a plea for the rest of the community to give the team at Hapi a second chance

“Vegan community members, let’s give the team a chance to explain their stand below and retrieve the comment, and let’s show them how “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” (Martin Luther king).”

All’s well that ends well.