It looks like the wonderful world of advertising has taken another blow. This time, it is the condiments company Heinz that aired a "gay-themed" commercial in the UK, which apparently drew in over 200 consumer complaints.
In advertising for Heinz Deli Mayo, the 30 second commercial depicts a family scene, with two children referring to a stereotypical New York Deli man as "Mum," before "Dad" walks out and gives him a kiss as he is leaving for work.
Regarding the decision to pull the ad, Nigel Dickie of Heinz UK, said: 'It is our policy to listen to consumers. We recognize that some consumers raised concerns over the content of the ad and this prompted our decision to withdraw it. The advertisement, part of a short-run campaign, was intended to be humorous and we apologize to anyone who felt offended."
The viewers complained that the material was "offensive," "inappropriate," and "unsuitable to be seen by children," while other viewers were perturbed that they had to explain homosexual relationships to their children who didn't understand the ad.
Perhaps at a glance, the ad simply depicts two gay men sharing a kiss, however when seeing the humor in it, it just seems to say that Heinz Deli Mayo is so good, mom would approve -- and be transformed into a Deli man just by using it.
Did you enjoy this ad, or do you believe that Heinz UK was right in removing it early? Would you be offended if your children saw this?
H.J. Heinz Co. is offering limited-edition ketchup bottles to celebrate the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl win.
The 14-ounce bottles are available with either black or white labels for $5 each and can be bought online.
Ketchup bottles will also be available at Pittsburgh-area grocery stores for $1.79 each.
Pittsburgh-based Heinz - which also lends its name to the Steelers' stadium, Heinz Field - will donate a portion of sales to the Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation, which helps troubled and underprivileged children.
