Story perspectives

John Legend Joins Viral Rally Over PetSmart Pronunciation

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

A rally in Sherman Oaks, California, drew celebrity couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen to join fans debating how to pronounce PetSmart.
Comedian Ben Lapidus organized the event after his song about the issue went viral.
Lapidus framed a broader message about corporate transparency, noting attendees expressed authentic anger over overreach.
Bradley Breuer, PetSmart's marketing vice president, confirmed the pronunciation is "Pet Smart" and tied it to the 2005 rebranding.

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Story summary

A rally in Sherman Oaks, California, drew celebrity couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen to join fans debating how to pronounce PetSmart.
Comedian Ben Lapidus organized the event after his song about the issue went viral.
Lapidus framed a broader message about corporate transparency, noting attendees expressed authentic anger over overreach.
Bradley Breuer, PetSmart's marketing vice president, confirmed the pronunciation is "Pet Smart" and tied it to the 2005 rebranding.