In 2017, Pepsi’s advertisement featuring Kendall Jenner sparked controversy and backlash for its misguided attempt at social justice. The commercial, which aimed to promote unity and peace, instead faced criticism for trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement. But when exactly did this infamous ad air on television screens?
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial was first aired on April 4, 2017, and quickly drew attention for its insensitive portrayal of social justice issues. Despite its intentions, the ad ultimately proved to be a lesson in how not to tackle serious issues in the world of advertising. Let’s take a closer look at the timeline of events surrounding this controversial commercial.
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial was released on April 4, 2017. The commercial was immediately met with controversy for its tone-deaf portrayal of social justice issues. Pepsi eventually pulled the ad and issued an apology for its insensitivity.
When Was The Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial?
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial was a controversial advertisement that aired on April 4, 2017. The commercial featured Kendall Jenner, a famous model and socialite, joining a protest and diffusing tension between the protesters and police by offering a can of Pepsi. The ad was criticized for trivializing social justice issues and using protests as a backdrop for a soda commercial.
The Controversy Surrounding The Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial sparked outrage and backlash from various groups, including activists, social justice advocates, and consumers. The ad was accused of appropriating and exploiting the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice issues for commercial gain. Many criticized the ad for trivializing the complex issues of police brutality, systemic racism, and social injustice.
The commercial was also criticized for its tone-deaf portrayal of protests and activism. Many felt that the ad was insensitive and disrespectful to the struggles and sacrifices of activists and protesters who risk their lives and freedom to fight for social justice. Moreover, the ad was accused of promoting a naive and simplistic view of social issues, suggesting that a can of Pepsi could solve deep-rooted and systemic problems.
The Fallout From The Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial
The backlash from the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial was swift and widespread. The ad was pulled from the airwaves within 24 hours of its release, and PepsiCo issued an apology for the ad’s insensitive and inappropriate content. The company also apologized to Kendall Jenner for putting her in a difficult position and causing her personal and professional harm.
The controversy also had long-term implications for PepsiCo’s reputation and brand image. The company faced a significant backlash on social media, with many consumers boycotting its products and calling for a boycott of the company. The incident also highlighted the challenges and risks of using social justice and political issues in advertising, and the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in marketing campaigns.
The Benefits and Risks of Using Social Justice Issues in Advertising
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial serves as a cautionary tale for companies and marketers who want to use social justice issues in their advertising campaigns. While social justice issues can be powerful and compelling themes for marketing, they are also complex and sensitive topics that require careful consideration and sensitivity.
On one hand, using social justice themes in advertising can help raise awareness and promote social change. Brands that align with social justice causes can build goodwill and loyalty among consumers who share their values and beliefs. Moreover, social justice themes can help brands stand out in a crowded marketplace and differentiate themselves from competitors.
On the other hand, using social justice themes in advertising can also be risky and controversial. Companies that are seen as exploiting or trivializing social justice issues can face significant backlash and damage to their reputation and brand image. Moreover, social justice issues are often highly politicized and divisive, and brands risk alienating or offending some segments of their customer base.
In conclusion, the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial was a controversial and ill-conceived marketing campaign that sparked outrage and backlash from consumers and activists. The ad serves as a cautionary tale for companies and marketers who want to use social justice issues in their advertising campaigns. While social justice themes can be powerful and compelling, they also require careful consideration and sensitivity to avoid the risks of backlash and controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the infamous Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial.
When was the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial released?
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial was released on April 4th, 2017. The commercial was immediately met with backlash and criticism for its insensitive and tone-deaf message.
The ad featured Kendall Jenner joining a protest and handing a can of Pepsi to a police officer, seemingly solving the tension between the protesters and law enforcement. Many people found the commercial to be trivializing important social and political issues, such as police brutality and racial inequality.
Was the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial pulled from air?
Yes, the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial was ultimately pulled from air after only one day of airing. Pepsi released a statement apologizing for their insensitive message and for making light of important issues.
The commercial was widely criticized on social media, with many people calling for a boycott of Pepsi products. The ad agency responsible for the commercial also issued an apology, stating that they had intended to create a message of unity and understanding, but had missed the mark.
What was the response from Kendall Jenner about the commercial?
Kendall Jenner initially stayed silent on the controversy surrounding the commercial, but eventually spoke out about her role in the ad. In an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Jenner stated that she was “devastated” by the backlash and had not anticipated such a negative response.
She also stated that she had trusted the creative team behind the commercial and had no intention of offending anyone. However, many people still criticized Jenner for using her platform to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and trivialize important issues.
What was the impact of the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial?
The Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial had a significant impact on both the Pepsi brand and the wider advertising industry. The commercial was widely criticized for its insensitivity and for trivializing important social and political issues.
The ad also sparked conversations about the responsibility of advertisers and the importance of social consciousness in marketing campaigns. Many companies and organizations reevaluated their own advertising strategies in the wake of the controversy.
Has Kendall Jenner been involved in any other controversial advertisements?
Yes, Kendall Jenner has been involved in several other controversial advertising campaigns. In 2017, she faced backlash for a commercial for the luxury fashion brand, La Perla, in which she appeared topless and writhing around in a giant clamshell.
She has also faced criticism for promoting weight loss teas on social media and for her involvement in the Fyre Festival, a music festival that turned out to be a scam. These controversies have led many people to question Jenner’s judgment and the ethics of the brands she chooses to work with.
In conclusion, the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial aired on April 4, 2017, and quickly became a controversial topic. The ad featured Jenner seemingly solving social justice issues by handing a police officer a can of Pepsi. However, many criticized the ad for appropriating and trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement.
Despite the backlash, the ad remained online for a short time before being taken down by Pepsi. The incident sparked a conversation about the responsibility of brands and celebrities when addressing social issues.
Overall, the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial serves as a cautionary tale for companies that try to capitalize on social justice movements without fully understanding the issues at hand. It also highlights the importance of listening to marginalized communities and uplifting their voices, rather than using them as a marketing tool.
