Bloomingdale’s Apologizes for Holiday Ad Suggestive of Date Rape

Or don’t and quit being a creep… #Bloomingdales pic.twitter.com/Liu8DKMMnP

— Kristen Alderson (@krisalderson) November 10, 2015

As frustrating as it is that ads like this one (hey, or this one! Or this one! Ah, memories) are still somehow getting greenlit, it’s reassuring to see many prospective customers are totally done with lazy, rape culture-based marketing:

In case it needs saying, DO NOT SPIKE YOUR BEST FRIEND’S EGGNOG. OR ANYONE’S EGGNOG. OR ANYONE’S DRINKS. EVER. #Bloomingdales

— Jack Monroe (@DrJackMonroe) November 11, 2015

Some will remember to boycott. More will think they’re ‘edgy banter’. Bloomingdales won’t be harmed by this. But women will. #Bloomingdales

— Jack Monroe (@DrJackMonroe) November 11, 2015

It disgusts me that the lack of decoration on Starbucks cups has caused a bigger uproar than this Bloomingdales ad pic.twitter.com/yCQzLCBATp

— alex bowman (@ABowLikeYo) November 11, 2015

bloomingdales gotta fire this copywriter with the quickness tho smfh pic.twitter.com/70VLSXMwV3

— Four Pins (@Four_Pins) November 11, 2015

Following a backlash to the copy on social media, Bloomingdale’s released this statement:

We heard your feedback about our catalog copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale’s sincerely apologizes.

— Bloomingdale’s (@Bloomingdales) November 10, 2015

A Bloomingdale’s rep told TechInsider:

In reflection of recent feedback, the copy we used in our recent catalog was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdales’ sincerely apologizes for this error in judgment.

It’ll be telling to see what Bloomingdale’s does in terms of pulling the copy, considering the text appeared in a print catalog. Here’s hoping they put their money where their mouth is and find another way to make amends if the ad continues to bring in business (hint, hint):

@Bloomingdales Astonished that ANYONE would think it appropriate. Hope contribution to women’s causes is made

— ShortCanuck (@ShortCanuck) November 10, 2015

(via Daily Dot)

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