The Snickers Spain have pulled out a controversial TV commercial that has been widely criticized for being anti-homosexual.
The 20-second TV advert campaign shows that Spanish actor Aless Gibaja has turned into a bearded man with a low voice after consuming Snickers ice cream.
The 20-Second Advert
The video was circulating on many platforms this week, with some calling for a Snickers boycott.
The chocolate producer has now apologized for any “possible misunderstandings” caused by the short advertisement.
In the twenty second ad, Mr Gibaja is at the beach with his friend where he orders “orange juice with vitamins A, B and C”.
The waiter, who seems to be confused, gives him a Snickers ice cream. After the bite, Mr Gibaja appears to be turning into a bearded man.
Criticism And Backlash
“Better?” the friend asks. “Better,” replies the man. A slogan reads: “You’re not yourself when you’re hungry.”
The ad has brought about a number of allegations on social media that the Snicker Spain’s advertisement is insulting to gay men.
“It is unfortunate and sad that there are currently companies that continue to promote extremist ideologies and promote homophobia,” the State Federation of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals tweeted.
Minister Of Equality Speaks
Spain’s Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, also joined the criticism.
“I wonder who it would seem to be a good idea for anyone to use the concept of homosexuality as a business marketing strategy,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Our society is diverse and tolerant. Hopefully those who have the power to make decisions about what we see and hear in commercials and TV shows will learn to be too.”
