“We Don’t Do Gay!” Ad Agency Punts Client Over Alleged Homophobic Slur
An ad agency has taken the ballsy decision to punt a major client – none other than Nivea – after an alleged homophobic slur in front of a gay staffer.
New York-based creative agency FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding) severed ties with the German-based cosmetics firm after it showed its latest campaign showing two men holding hands to Nivea executives. One senior executive apparently responding, “We don’t do gay.”
The comment was allegedly made during a teleconference that included an FCB creative who was openly gay.
FCB has held the Nivea account for 100 years.
The decision to sever ties with Nivea was announced by FCB CEO Carter Murray in a company-wide email.
Murray didn’t mention the slur directly, but added the decision came after “much reflection and discussion on our creative ambitions”.
He added: “There comes a point in every longterm relationship when you reflect on what you’ve accomplished together and set your sails for where your journey will take you next. Sometimes that journey ahead demands tough choices that lead down different paths.”
Despite spending a reported $A400 million a year on advertising, FCB has said that the Nivea business represented just one per cent of its annual turnover.
A spokesperson for Beiersdorf (Nivea’s parent company) did not confirm that the slur took place, however, added that such behaviour would not be tolerated by the global giant.
In a statement to US industry site Campaign, a company spokesperson said: “We understand the emotions and news interest are intensified when longtime business relationships come to an end – however, we ask for understanding that we don’t comment on unsubstantiated speculations around this matter.
“Nonetheless we wish to express our concern on the reported allegations as they do not reflect the values of Beiersdorf, Nivea and our employees worldwide. No form of discrimination, direct and indirect, is or will be tolerated. We are strongly committed to diversity, mutual respect, equal opportunity and tolerance.”
Latest News
Gorgi Coghlan And Costa Georgiadis Lead New Water Conservation Campaign
B&T's water saving measures include, among others, only drinking alcohol and weeing in the office pot plants.
Beyond Social Video And BVOD Lies EVOD
You've got your SVODs, your BVODs and now your EVODs. Which are not be mistaken for your Ewoks from Return Of The Jedi.
It’s Here! B&T’s Women In Media Awards 2020 Shortlist Revealed!
The WAIT'S OVER! Women In Media shortlist revealed! Unless there's slow internet, then the wait will be a little longer.
Qantas Calls It Quits With The Wallabies In Major $20 Million Sponsorship Review
Qantas cites COVID for ending Wallabies sponsorship. The fact they're a bit shit probably entered into it, too.
MasterChef Judge Jock Zonfrillo Goes After The Australian For Defamation
MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo set to sue The Australian, as News Corp issues warning: "Join a long queue, buddy."
Tuesday TV Wrap: Diced & Sliced! Plate Of Origin Two-Part Finale Flambés, Posts Lowest Number Yet
Seven launches full investigation into Matt Preston's trousers as Plate Of Origin wins "stinker of the year" award.
Aussie Brewer Joins With Dilmah To Launch Tea-Infused Ale
This tea-infused beer gives you all the antioxidants of tea combined with the "overriding urge to dance" of alcohol.
Accenture Helps Canva Transform HR Operations
When not lounging around on large swags of cash drinking Dom Perignon, Canva's taken to transforming its HR operations.
Zenith: Auto Category Ad Spends To Plummet 21% In 2020
Auto joins travel & interpretive dance as worst-performing media categories. Yes, B&T threw that last one in for shock.
Hootsuite: Stop Posting On Social Media And Start Listening
Don't believe in the power of social? Well, this new report is for you. Unless you also believe the earth is flat.
Nearly Half Of Aussie SMEs Plan To Reduce In-House Marketing Function
Half of SMEs plan to reduce their in-house marketing function. The other half debating the merits of sultanas in scones.
Burger King Forced To Pull Its Cow Farting Ad After Offending Farmers & Factual Inaccuracies
This is a very serious article about the impact of cow flatulence. B&T does apologise for any schoolboy sniggering.
Shootsta Wins Glencore And Shine Lawyers Accounts
Judging by those impressive stairs in this press photo, Shootsta staff enjoy chiselled glutes and taut buttoxes.
Kayo Subscribers Bounce Back
Sports provider Kayo announces significant subscriber uptake. Yet, shuttlecock hasn't proven the driver it had hoped.
TikTok Removed 100 Million Videos In The First Half Of 2020
There's two ways of looking at this. Yes, TikTok airs some dodgy shit, but at least they're trying. Unlike some others.
Northern Rivers Marketing Agency Redesigns Packaging For Local Craft Brewery
Independent, regional full-service marketing agency, Barefruit Marketing, has unveiled new packaging design for up-and-coming Ballina-based brewery, Seven Mile Brewing Co. The agency was delighted to be awarded the brief from Seven Mile Brewing Co. to redesign the packaging of their three core craft brews; American Pale Ale, Cali Cream and West Coast IPA. It was […]
Venetian Media Group Appoints New Chief Executive
Independent, Australian-owned and operated Venetian Media Group has appointed Michael Fishwick to the position of Chief Executive Officer off the back of two new company acquisitions and significant revenue growth for the Group. Fishwick assumes the role after 14 years working within the company, most recently in the position of Chief Operations Officer where he […]
Healthcare Agency Bastion Brands Adds Head Of Art To Creative Team
Bastion Brands appoints new head of art. Although he's apparently already refusing to do staff leaving cards.
M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Launch New Marketing Division
M&C Saatchi unveils new agency to cater to the "‘hyper-passions" category. Now there's a new & very annoying buzzword.
Hardware Chain Shrinks Home Handyman In Visually Stunning New Work
This brilliant ad leans heavily on the film 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids'. Which hasn't been seen since Blockbuster closed.
Why Is Experience So Undervalued In Advertising?
Here's a very insightful thought piece into adland's ageism. However, it's quite long and could possibly age you.
Three Ways COVID-19 Has Changed Consumer Food Trends
It's the very latest research into food trends in the CORONA-era. Sadly, no news on the return of the crêpe Suzette.
EndemolShine Australia Announces Peter Newman As New CEO, As Mark & Carl Fennessy Depart
EndemolShine co-CEOs depart the business, but not before stuffing the Logie in one of the removalist's boxes.
Sydney Olympic Park Launches First Ever Podcast
A cast of eminent Australians, Olympic athletes, sporting legends and industry experts including Lucy Turnbull, Michael Knight, Louise Sauvage and Brad Fittler feature in a dynamic new podcast Beyond the Games hosted by TV sports commentator Mark Beretta celebrating the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic 20th anniversary. Commemorating the Games could not be done by bringing […]
Kmart Launches AR And AI Powered Shopping Experience For August Living Campaign
The B&T office is adorned with Kmart's home furnishings. Hence that all-pervading cheap plastic, slightly toxic stench.
Whitehat Agency Signs Layne Beachley & Coogee Bay Hotel
Surry-hills based digital marketing agency, Whitehat Agency, has announced two new client wins, welcoming Layne Beachley to the fold as she launches her new self-empowerment platform, Awake Academy, as well as the iconic Coogee Bay Hotel. Layne selected Whitehat to bring her online platform to life, with Whitehat providing a full suite of services from brand development, website […]
Special Group And Uber Eats Take ‘Tonight I’ll Be Eating’ Platform To US & Canada
As a bit of a laugh, who'd like to see Hannibal Lecter star in an Uber Eat's ‘Tonight I’ll Be Eating’ TVC?
Estée Lauder Set To Be The First Brand To Shoot An Ad On The International Space Station
Forget colonising other planets or the search for life among the stars, space program now reduced to flogging eye serum.
“Offensive & Revolting!” Makeup Company Slammed For Naming A Blush After Anne Frank
In further proof more people need to raise their hands during marketing meetings comes a blush named after Anne Frank.
Five By Five Launches ‘The Film 2020 Deserves’
If this truly was "the film 2020 deserves" it would star Hulk Hogan, music by some K pop band and run for nine hours.
