Fast food giant KFC has had its 50th Birthday advertisement cleared by the ad watchdog despite complaints labelling the ad as inappropriate and filled with innuendo.
“I’m offended by the ad because it clearly refers to someone saying “Fuck It”, but they are using the word “Bucket,” the complaint about the ad, which is set at a 1968 dinner table, said.
Not suitable at the time slot as my three year old immediately copied the ad, but isn’t saying Bucket! No need for the innuendo with so many other words in the dictionary that don’t resemble blasphemy that could be used instead,” the complaint read.
KFC responded to the complaint by stating the ad is targeted at adults with its use of “nostalgic imagery and music”.
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The fast food giant said the ad clearly says “bucket” in reference to the bucket of chicken which is presented to the little boy.
“We believe that a bucket of KFC chicken creates a moment of joy and release for many people. This TV ad highlights our iconic bucket as the symbol of this sentiment,” KFC added.
Ad Standards agreed with KFC arguing the language was not “child-like” or targeted specifically to children and even if there was an illusion to a “stronger term” the retailer clearly used another distinctive word, bucket.
KFC recently released another lot of out-of-home ads as an extension to the campaign with the words ‘Bucket. Why Not?’.