Stupid. There’s really no other way to describe the thinking — or lack thereof — behind Belvedere Vodka’s “rapey” Facebook ad.
The ad is totally indefensible. To its credit, Belvedere pulled the ad fast and issued two apologies. The brand also donated money to RAINN, an anti-sexual violence group. But then another problem emerged.
A few weeks after the rape ad ran, the actress in the picture filed a lawsuit against Moet Hennessy USA, which makes Belvedere. Her claim? That the brand had used her likeness without permission, allegedly misappropriating the image from a sketch performed by the actress’s comedy troupe. Via iMedia
Wow!
So not only is the creative horribly offensive, but the people who did it also forgot to get legal clearances.
Maybe they were drunk. Really drunk.