These companies obviously look to ensure that they deliver memorable commercials during the Super Bowl, but some of them end up getting caught in controversy instead.
- February 2, 2020
AceShowbiz - Not only safe for children, but the Super Bowl commercials also must opt out from offending any ethnicities. If one company fails to do so, it will most likely end up receiving backlash like online coupon discounter Groupon, whose Super Bowl XLV spot struck many viewers as making light of the plight of the people of Tibet to plug its service.
In the 30-second spot, Timothy Hutton called attention to the troubles of its people. He said, "The people of Tibet are in trouble, their very culture in jeopardy," before shocking viewers with his next lines, "But they still whip up an amazing fish curry. And since 200 of us bought Groupon.com, we're getting $30 worth of Tibetan food for just $15." The hostile response was almost immediate, surprising CEO Andrew Mason who insisted that the spot was merely a "spoof" of celebrity-endorsed public service announcement.
