#Hershey wants NYC artist to stop selling ‘Kill Kats’ and ‘Kisses of Death’

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An artist who makes satirical versions of Hershey Kisses and KitKats call “Kisses of Death” and “Kill Kat” wants a judge to block Hershey’s efforts to shut him down.
Andrew Bell

A Brooklyn artist is arguing that his biting parodies of sweet treats should be protected by the First Amendment.

Hershey wants Andrew Bell to stop selling his pricey, vinyl toys, which are menacing takes on some of the candy giant’s classics such as Hershey Kisses and KitKats.

The vinyl sculptures have monster-like faces with sharp teeth — and carry names like Kisses of Death and Kill Kats. Large versions sell for as much as $130.

Bell’s Kill Kat won 2018 designer toy of the year, but Hershey believes consumers could confuse his artwork for its crispy, chocolatey bar.

Last year, the company accused Bell of infringing on its trademarks and sent him letters telling him to stop making his toys. The artist fired back, going to Brooklyn Federal Court to protect his designs.

The toys are “expressive works of art entitled to First amendment protection as commentary and parody,” insists Bell in court papers, who also came up with snarky slogans like, “Are sugary treats trying to kill us? Kill Kat is certainly trying!”

Hershey didn’t respond to the Post’s request for comment.