Snickers ditch ice cream advert in Spain following homophobia outcry

Snickers ditch ice cream advert in Spain following homophobia outcry

Snickers ditch ice cream advert in Spain following homophobia outcry Credit: Pixabay

Snickers ditch ice cream advert in Spain following homophobia outcry. The Snickers advert has been shown both in Spain and online, and was released only a few short weeks after 24-year-old Samuel Luiz was killed in an attack which many have considered homophobic.

Snickers made the decision to ditch the ice cream advert after people called on the brand to be boycotted and accusations of homophobia abounded. The ad showed Aless Gibaja, a Spanish influence eating a Snickers before changing into a man with a beard. The advert slogan read: “You’re not yourself when you’re hungry.”

The State Federation of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals took to Twitter to condemn the advert and said: “It is shameful and regrettable that at this point there are companies that continue to perpetuate stereotypes and promote homophobia.”

Snickers quickly removed the advert and apologised. “In this specific campaign, the aim was to convey in a friendly and casual way that hunger can change your character,” said Snickers.

“At no time has it been intended to stigmatise or offend any person or group.”

Mars Wrigley, the parent firm for Snickers have also spoken out and admitted that they made a mistake, but have said they will “do better in the future”.

“We would like to whole heartedly apologise for any harm caused by a recent advert for Snickers Ice Cream in Spain,” said Mars Wrigley.

“We recognise that we got it wrong and have removed the online content immediately.

“We take equal rights and inclusion seriously, we want a world where everybody is free to be themselves and we believe that as an employer and advertiser we have a role and a responsibility to play our part in creating that world.

“We will take the opportunity to listen and learn from this mistake and do better in the future.”


Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to check The Euro Weekly News for all your up-to-date local and international news stories.

 

Alex
Written by

Alex Glenn

Originally from the UK, Alex is based in Almeria and is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

Comments