A Canadian ice cream chain based has refused to change its “blasphemous” name despite thousands signing online petitions calling for a boycott.
Sweet Jesus is a Toronto-based company that specialises in soft ice cream and milkshakes.
The brand has recently faced heavy criticism by some Christians who have described the name as “mocking”.
The name of the brand was inspired by the use of the popular phrase in common vernacular, as explained in a statement on the Sweet Jesus website.
“Our name was created from the popular phrase that people use as an expression of enjoyment, surprise or disbelief,” it reads.
“Our aim is not to offer commentary on anyone’s religion or belief systems.”
While the ice cream chain has claimed that it did not intend to offend any religious group in any way, many devout Christians have expressed their disapproval over the name.