Claim: A Nike shoe advertisement uses imagery from a terrorist bombing.
Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2004]
Nike company uses terrorist bombing for promoting sales — do not buy !!!  |
Origins: Nike is no stranger to controversy when it comes to advertising. In September 2000, a barrage of complaints from viewers prompted NBC to drop a Nike commercial which featured
One month later, Nike pulled a print advertising campaign for their
Despite these previous public relations gaffes, Nike hasn't stooped so low as to try to sell shoes with advertisements employing terrorist-related imagery. The image shown above
Like the salacious ads for rival shoemaker Puma which appeared on the Internet in 2003, this one was the product of a prankster
This offensive ad was not authorized by Nike and has no affiliation with the company. It was obviously created by some individual who does not value human life and is seeking attention by leveraging our well-known brand name. Based upon the number of inquiries we have received from members of the public questioning the ad's authenticity, we have begun to work with authorities to try to determine the origin. Also, we have begun to contact specific non-governmental organizations to apprise them of this unfortunate hoax. Again, Nike was never involved in any way with the ad and appreciates your inquiry. If you have any information regarding individuals or businesses improperly promoting this image as a Nike property, please contact us so that we may explore appropriate legal recourse. We also ask that you limit circulation of this despicable image and share this message with others who inquire about its authenticity or affiliation with Nike. We hope this clarifies the matter.
Thank you for your correspondence alerting us to a false Internet advertisement, depicting Nike products associated with political conflict
Last updated: 29 August 2007
Sources:
