>>> retail giant lowe 's is facing a growing backlash this morning after pulling its advertising from a reality show featuring an all-muslim cast. nbc's kevin tibbles is in chicago with this story. hey, kevin, good morning.
>> reporter: ann, lowe 's says it dropped the ads because the show had become a lightning rod for complaint, but the home improvement giant had also been targeted by a florida group whose leader claims -- and i quote him here -- "the show was spreading muslim propaganda." it's a reality show that looks like many other reality shows on tv. a slice of life in america, five people from dearborn , michigan and all of the ups and downs of life along the way. it's called "all- american muslim " on tlc, a window into the world of america's islamic community. one of the stars is a 32-year-old judicial aid for the dearborn judicial court, sueheila.
>> dispelling the thoughts of muslims in this country.
>> reporter: but one group accuses them of undermining american values .
>> islam is a progressive ideology that wants to dominate the world.
>> reporter: the florida family association launched an online campaign encouraging followers to petition the show's sponsors to pull their ads.
>> we're concerned that americans are being fed propaganda that's not complete as it relates to islam.
>> reporter: home improvement giant lowe 's is the latest in what the group claims is a list of some 65 advertisers who have left.
>> it's just sad that people feel that they need to respond to bigots.
>> reporter: in a statement, lowe 's says "all- american muslim has become a lightning rod for people to voice complaints." but adds, "we have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we're proud of that longstanding commitment. if we have made anyone question that commitment, we apologize." is dearborn where 30% of the population is of arab descent hurt and anger.
>> i think it's wrong of them to think that muslims are terrorists.
>> reporter: and trending on twitter -- "i see that lowe 's has caved to those promoting ignorance and intolerance." also -- "last time i checked, this was still the united states of america , where businesses are free to advertise where and how they want." hip-hop artist and successful businessman russell simmons tweeted -- "just purchased remaining spots for all- american muslim for next week. the show is now sold out! keep your money, lowe 's, and we will keep ours." now, lowe 's says it's not going to go back on its decision on this. interestingly enough, a number of the other companies involved say they didn't drop their ads, they just didn't have any ads purchased in the first place. ann?
Source: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/45651554/
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