KFC has found itself in an awkward situation after an Australian ad campaign made its way to YouTube sparking accusations of racism from its American audience, Australian media outletAdelaide Now reported.
The Aussie "Cricket Survival Guide" commercial shows a white man in a crowd of cheering black cricket fans. The Australian fan, named Mick, asks "Need a tip when you're stuck in an awkward situation?" and then hands a bucket ofKFC fried chicken to the black fans.
The YouTube video had more than 250,000 views Wednesday afternoon and viewers left more than 3,300 comments. In the video's description on YouTube, the poster "ThunderCurls" writes: "How do you survive a crowd of "awkward" black people? According to KFCs latest advertisement a bucket of fried chicken will do the trick. Is this racist? You be the judge..."
Watch the video after the jump.
KFC Australia told Adelaide Now that while the ad could be perceived as racist, it was misunderstood by the American audience.
"It is a light-hearted reference to the West Indian cricket team," the company said in a statement. "The ad was reproduced online in the U.S. without KFC's permission, where we are told a culturally-based stereotype exists, leading to the incorrect assertion of racism.
"We unequivocally condemn discrimination of any type and have a proud history as one of the world's leading employers for diversity."
KFC Australia announced to Slashfood Wednesday afternoon it is "removing the television advertisement that was being run in conjunction with the Australian cricket season. We apologize for any misinterpretation of the ad as it was not meant to offend anyone."
"It is a light-hearted reference to the West Indian cricket team," the company said in a statement. "The ad was reproduced online in the U.S. without KFC's permission, where we are told a culturally-based stereotype exists, leading to the incorrect assertion of racism.
"We unequivocally condemn discrimination of any type and have a proud history as one of the world's leading employers for diversity."
KFC Australia announced to Slashfood Wednesday afternoon it is "removing the television advertisement that was being run in conjunction with the Australian cricket season. We apologize for any misinterpretation of the ad as it was not meant to offend anyone."
No comments:
Post a Comment