CocaCola Removes Media Campaign After Removing Gay Couple from Ad
Coca-Cola has removed a website that allowed users to enter names and messages on to virtual cans after controversy surrounding the fact that the word ‘gay’ was banned from the site.
The Coke social media campaign enabled people to share the ‘cans’ with friends and followers on social networks.
But if users tried to enter the word ‘gay’, Coke responded with a message saying: ‘Oops. Let’s pretend you didn’t just type that.’
If users wanted to write the word ‘straight’ on the cans, they were able to do so. Coca-Cola is a sponsor of the Sochi Winter Olympics, amid growing concern about Russia’s gay rights record.
Now, Coke has taken down the website, telling Buzzfeed: ‘We are aware that the Share a Coke promotion we are running in South Africa has generated an unintended outcome. We apologise for any offence caused.
‘The Share a Coke programme was created to allow consumers to take the iconic “Coca-Cola” script and replace it with their name on the can.
‘In South Africa, the digital version of the Share a Coke promotion did not properly limit the customisation to individuals’ names.
‘We’ve taken down the site and are in the process of revising the digital tool immediately.’
The company added: ‘As one of the world’s most inclusive brands, we value and celebrate diversity. We have long been a strong supporter of the LGBT community and have advocated for inclusion, equality and diversity through both our policies and practices. Again we apologize for any offense this has caused.’
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