It looks like Spring 2017 is the season of major PR fails. Just a week after the Pepsi/UA/Sean Spicer trifecta of terribleness, Adidas joined the fray by sending their customers an email to promote their Boston Marathon-branded running gear with a subject line that read, "Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon!"
.@adidas you may want to rethink the subject line pic.twitter.com/curUb8FieOApril 18, 2017
The email was sent on Tuesday, the day after the marathon, and was viewed on social media as being extremely tone-deaf given the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon, a tragedy that killed three people and left more than 260 injured. Reactions on social media ranged from shock to facepalm to outright outrage.
My friend received this email from Adidas after the Boston Marathon... I don't know how an advertising team doesn't catch this. pic.twitter.com/Fe16Z4HnvqApril 18, 2017
pic.twitter.com/TK6XsCFUBAApril 18, 2017
Really? pic.twitter.com/FgJ6J39MDNApril 18, 2017
On Tuesday afternoon, Adidas apologized for the email in a statement to USA Today (opens in new tab) that read:
"We are incredibly sorry. Clearly, there was no thought given to the insensitive email subject line we sent Tuesday. We deeply apologize for our mistake. The Boston Marathon is one of the most inspirational sporting events in the world. Every year we're reminded of the hope and resiliency of the running community at this event."
We're nominated for a Webby Award—but we need your vote to win! Vote for the Women and Guns project here.
-
This Is the Only Dry Shampoo That Makes My Hair Feel Clean—Not CrunchyBonus: It’s only $8 per bottle.
-
Prince Harry's "Low-Key" Court Appearance May Help to "Minimize the Media Circus," Royal Expert Says
He's trying a new strategy.
-
'Succession' Actor Brian Cox Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are "Victims" of the "Moribund" Royal Institution
He has strong feelings about their situation.
-
The 18 Best Podcasts of 2021 (So Far)
Like listening in to your funniest, most knowledgable friends.
-
The "Berries and Cream" Trend on TikTok, Explained
If you can't stop singing: "I'm a little lad who loves berries and cream"...you're not alone.
-
The "Challenge Accepted" Trend, Explained
You've probably spotted a ton of black-and-white photos on your feed.
-
Do I Need This 5-Foot Corgi Sprinkler?
I can't stop thinking about it!
-
The 50 Biggest, Most Influential, Most Unforgettable Pop Culture Moments of the 2010s
From Lady Gaga's Meat Dress to the College Admissions Scandal, we're revisiting the moments that defined pop culture this decade.
-
A Haunted House In Tennessee Will Pay You $20,000 If You Make It to the End
You need to sign a 40-page waiver, make up a safe word, and get a doctor’s note to even get through the doors.
-
Is This a Rabbit or Raven?
We asked experts to weigh in. Even they aren’t sure.
-
Thanks to FaceApp, These Celebrities Aged Overnight
It's the photo editing app of your dreams (or nightmares).
