what the F&CK is WRONG with people?

[lagilman]

Apparently, Belvedere Vodka thinks that rape jokes are an AWESOME way to sell booze.

The ad was removed, but the Internet doesn't forget:

http://aminatou.tumblr.com/post/19788599188/fuck-you-belvedere-vodka

http://jezebel.com/5895931/the-rapey-belvedere-vodka-ad-that-just-got-pulled


Their corporate response? "We apologize to any of our fans who were offended by our recent tweet. We continue to be an advocate of safe and responsible drinking."

But, apparently, not safe and responsible social interactions. Or, y'know, shame.

for the record, PR departments, "we're sorry you were offended" is obvious shorthand for "we think you can't take a joke." The proper wording is "We are sorry for our ill-considered ad; we did not think it through and that was wrong of us. We are donating $X to a national rape crisis center to show that we learned our lesson."


I may not always drink vodka, but when I do... it's not Belvedere.

Comments

[chickwriter.livejournal.com]

I've not heard of this vodka, but thanks for the info. It's utterly appalling. Definitely never going to buy their product.

[nick-kaufmann.livejournal.com]

What the...?

[sorek.livejournal.com]

"for the record, PR departments, "we're sorry you were offended" is obvious shorthand for "we think you can't take a joke.""

Actually I always thought that meant "we don't give a damn about you but we do give a damn about your potential lawyers. Please don't sue us into oblivion. Oh and any pr is good pr as long as the news spells our name right."

Personally I seldom drink alcohol, never vodka, and never even heard of this brand. So add me to any list to boycott this brand. :)

Also, I love your Dos Equis spoof.

[strigine.livejournal.com]

FFS even on Jezebel there are people going "I don't really see what's wrong with this."

*headdesk* I'm seriously considering a personal media blackout for the weekend, because the last few weeks have not been good for my blood pressure.

[damiana-swan.livejournal.com]

I may not always drink vodka, but when I do... it's not Belvedere.

... and guys, if you do? You don't get to date me.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

Oh, that is utterly appalling. I hope they reap the reward through reduced sales.

[spiziks.livejournal.com]

I hate those non-apologies. "We're sorry you were offended"--ha! They aren't sorry they did what they did; they're sorry they pissed a bunch of people off and lost business and PR.

[phantomminuet.livejournal.com]

Wow. That's kind of horrific. How did that get by the marketing department?