Popular social media app Snapchat is now issuing a public apology after recently attempting to “make light of domestic violence” in a “Would You Rather!” advertisement polling users, “Slap Rihanna or Punch Chris Brown?”
Is it just me, or is this ad that popped up on my Snapchat extremely tone deaf? Like what were they thinking with this? pic.twitter.com/7kP9RHcgNG
— Royce Mann (@TheRoyceMann) March 12, 2018
The offensive ad directly references the 2009 domestic violence case between the Bajan songstress and Brown; which resulted in his arrest and conviction.
Furthermore, Snap says they published the poll “in error” and immediately removed it upon realizing its existence; stating:
“The advert was reviewed and approved in error, as it violates our advertising guidelines. We immediately removed the ad last weekend, once we became aware. We are sorry that this happened.”
Additionally, the Twitterverse reacted accordingly, like Brittany Packnett, an activist who called the advertisement “tone deaf.”
I know that social media ads go through an approval process from the platform.
This means @Snapchat approved an ad that makes light of domestic violence.
The update ain’t the only thing that’s wack over there, friends. https://t.co/PmbJn4zCel
— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) March 12, 2018
Meanwhile, the daughter of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Chelsea, called it “awful.”
Just awful. Awful that anyone thinks this is funny. Awful that anyone thinks this is appropriate. Awful that any company would approve this. Thank you Brittany for calling this out.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) March 12, 2018
Elsewhere, on the company’s page, their advertising policy is outlined as follows:
“All ads are subject to our review and approval. We reserve the right to reject or remove any ad in our sole discretion for any reason. We also reserve the right to request modifications to any ad, and to require factual substantiation for any claim made in an ad. There is also a list of banned content, including “shocking, sensational, or disrespectful content.”
