Oliver criticizes tobacco companies who threaten to sue some countries regarding their stringent regulations on marketing cigarettes, introducing a new mascot Jeff the Diseased Lung in a Cowboy Hat.
- Feb 17, 2015
AceShowbiz - John Oliver targeted cigarettes on "Last Week Tonight" Sunday night, February 15. The comedian spent 18 minutes of the episode slamming tobacco companies like Philip Morris International for suing smaller countries like Uruguay and Togo regarding their stringent regulations on marketing cigarettes.
But instead of getting "angry" and calling tobacco companies "a**holes, or monsters, or open sores on Satan's d**k," Oliver offered to "broker peace" by introducing a new mascot, Jeff the Diseased Lung in a Cowboy Hat, which is a take on Marlboro's iconic cowboy imagery.
Oliver showed in a clip that real Jeff billboards were already on display in Montevideo, Uruguay. He added, "We also - and don't be mad - we made Jeff T-shirts which were shipped to Togo."
The mascot then joined Oliver onstage, coughing uncontrollably. He claimed, "Everyone loves Jeff, the diseased lung in a cowboy hat," as children showed up and cheered while circling the mascot.
Responding to the jokes, Philip Morris International said in a lengthy statement, " 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' is a parody show, known for getting a laugh through exaggeration and presenting partial views in the name of humor. The segment includes many mischaracterizations of our company, including our approach to marketing and regulation, which have been embellished in the spirit of comedic license."
"While we recognize the tobacco industry is an easy target for comedians, we take seriously the responsibility that comes with selling a product that is an adult choice and is harmful to health," the statement further read.
"We support and comply with thousands of regulations worldwide - including advertising restrictions, penalties for selling tobacco products to minors, and substantial health warnings on packaging. We're investing billions into developing and scientifically assessing a portfolio of products that have the potential to be less harmful and that are satisfying so smokers will switch to them. And, like any other company with a responsibility to its business partners, shareholders and employees, we ask only that laws protecting investments, including trademarks, be equally applied to us."
I asked Philip Morris International for comment on the @LastWeekTonight segment. Here's what they sent me. #JeffWeCan pic.twitter.com/Udj6YRxDWr
— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) February 16, 2015
