Business

Update: ‘Controversial’ Groupon Super Bowl Ads Pulled

On Monday we brought you the story of the Groupon Super Bowl ads that were causing quite the stir across the internet. One made fun of the “save the whales” mantra, while another poked fun at the Tibetan people. At the time, Groupon defended the ads by pointing out that those who watch them online can donate to charity. But alas, Groupon finally succumbed to the pressure and pulled the ads Thursday night.

“Five days have passed since the Super Bowl, and one thing is clear – our ads offended a lot of people,” Groupon CEO Andrew Mason wrote on the company’s blog. “Tuesday I posted an explanation, but as many of you have pointed out, if an ad requires an explanation, that means it didn’t work.”

“We’ve listened to your feedback, and since we don’t see the point in continuing to anger people, we’re pulling the ads (a few may run again tomorrow – pulling ads immediately is sometimes impossible).”

The ad that garnered the most attention featured actor Timothy Hutton in a fake PSA that originally appeared to be a warm defense of the Tibetan people and their suffering at the hands of China. In reality, it was really about people saving money with Groupon.

“The people of Tibet are in trouble,” Hutton says in the ad. “Their very culture is in jeopardy. But they still whip up an amazing fish curry.” He goes on to explain that because 200 people signed up for a Groupon, they can all enjoy the great food.

On Monday, Glenn Beck responded to the ads by saying people have become too concerned with being politically correct.

”‘Oh, you can’t make fun of the whales and the Tibetan monks,’” he said jokingly. “Yeah. Yeah, you can. And they did it expertly. It’s Groupon. For the love of Pete, it’s a commercial. Stop taking it so seriously.”

According to Mason, the ads raised close to $500,000 for charity.

Comments (76)

1 2
  • t barman
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 8:33pm

    Glenn I have been a listing “WATCHING” you since Obama gave the bust back. China is committing genocide in Tibet, it is no laughing mater . You have a huge influence, watch your EGO my friend, .you might search the scriptures a little more, and find a humility. Whaling is an atrocity. You need to spend some time on the ocean, and get a little salt in your blood. I don’t believe in the moron church! I was not allowed into the the temple in salt lake. Jesus would never build a place were a human being is not welcome, NO SECRETS WITH JESUS AMEN!. Watch the movie Shark Water with your children,
    Keep up the good work! You are light in the darkness.

    Report Post »  
    • Boo HaHa
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:07am

      what does this have to do with any churches?

      Report Post »  
  • RogueAmeritarian
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 7:34pm

    Even though I didn’t like the fact that the joke was about Sarah and her family, and because I hate pc. I will admit it was funny!!!!

    Report Post » Reduce.Our.Govt.Footprint  
  • RogueAmeritarian
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 6:18pm

    Well, 6 years ago when I started my own one man boycott against pro sports, I swore to never give these overpayed babies another red cent, and to my knowledge, I haven’t. So, I have not seen any of these commercials, but just from reading everyones post, it sounds like pc to me. It’s everywhere now, from schools to the white house. It has taken over the country, and part of the liberal way. I keep hoping that we will get our country back, but I am not so sure anymore, the more I research and study, the more I find out how how the deep the corruption is. I don’t know what the answer is, I have some ideas, but I do know that this administration is far from the answer, about as far as you can get, and I don’t need facts to tell me that, I see, hear and feel it everyday!!!

    Report Post » Reduce.Our.Govt.Footprint  
  • Workforit
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 6:07pm

    I thought the commercials were great! I’m just going to have to get involved and shop Groupon just to pi$$ off some of these pretentious over the top politically correct individuals that have no sense of humor. Get over your selves and save a buck on that next whale watch would ya, and give the $40 you saved to the ‘Save the Whales” group of your choice!

    Report Post »  
  • Chet Hempstead
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 5:30pm

    Fish curry in Tibet? it’s a landlocked country! If you don’t respect their decades long struggle against Communist oppression, you should at least respect their unique and delicious cuisine.

    Report Post »  
  • paulnashtn
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 4:43pm

    VERY sorry to disagree with Mr Beck but this one is NOT about PC, it is about EXTREMELY poor taste on national TV.

    Report Post » paulnashtn  
  • Rapunzel
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 4:09pm

    @Encinom

    I have held off for a really long time but I think the opinion of the vast majority of the the posters here is that you are a flaming idiot. Why don’t you go back to HuffPo where you belong?

    Report Post » Rapunzel  
  • wakeuptobeck
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:51pm

    At least the ads didn’t portray a caucasian as either being a dope, inept or being taught by a lesson minority, ala the Doritos commercial having white man sucking some flavored finger. Pay attention to the commercials and you’ll notice a disproportionate amount of whites being mocked and or portraying nitwits.

    Report Post »  
  • ConstitutionalPatriot
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:32pm

    That is the reason I liked them, and started using them. I am sick of the group’s that put others down and makes fun of others only to cry when it is done to them. Screw them, this P.C. B.S. has gone to far.

    Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
  • T-2
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:01pm

    I‘m surprise they didn’t pull the Audi Green Police commercial from last year. Germany is looking really good about now.

    Report Post »  
  • Right is right. Left is wrong.
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:00pm

    Everyone has such thin skin now days. Everyone is just so easily offended. Of course that does depend on who you are. If you are a white male conservative heterosexual Christian then you are an open target for any and everything.

    Report Post »  
    • blazebird
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:11pm

      I just happen to be a white male conservative heterosexual Christian who will take a liberals lunch and eat it in front of him. PC has been over used and on the way out.

      Report Post » blazebird  
  • blazebird
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:57pm

    PC is a weapon used by haters of this country. The ad’s where funny. If you don‘t like them don’t use that product. I‘m done being politically correct and if you don’t like it kiss my ass.

    Report Post » blazebird  
    • blazebird
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:20pm

      Was that PC enough for ya?

      Report Post » blazebird  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:54pm

      It‘s always funny at someone else’s expense.

      I don’t like it, and I’m not going to kiss your posterior, but I will say something about it, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

      The Ad was wrong, and shouldn’t be done.

      Period.

      I’m glad they pulled it due to market pressure. That’s what happens when somebody tries to be racist or intolerant, the market will take care of them if given a chance. So let them go ahead and show their true colors. Everybody is dying to see it.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • Lion420
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:55pm

    The only problem I had, was that they would link up to the actual charities….the ads themselves were funny. Communist front groups are not.

    Report Post » Lion420  
  • vennoye
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:51pm

    Just seems tastless and callus to try to make money off someone else’s misfortune and trouble.

    Report Post » vennoye  
  • Sinista Mace
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:44pm

    I’m not anywhere near Tibetan and I thought the add was callous and insensitive to the people of Tibet.

    I’m glad they pulled it.

    Karma took a few days, but it finally came back around.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • awizard
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:55pm

      “Their very culture is in jeopardy. But they still whip up an amazing fish curry.”

      ‘Bet they got more customers because of the “Outrage” … Successful ad!..

      Report Post » awizard  
    • MaggieRose
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:55am

      Agreed, Sinista

      Report Post »  
  • MattPSU
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:43pm

    These are the same idiots that turned down Google’s offer of $6billion for their company. How can you walk away from that??

    Report Post »  
    • Justthefactsmam
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 6:46pm

      If google offered $6 billion, they must expect to make a profit…so maybe the groupon people are wanting to make that for themselves…

      Report Post » Justthefactsmam  
  • CountMeIn
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:39pm

    The commercial made me think of how insincere celebrities probably are when it comes to causes the support. They do it just for the press.

    Report Post »  
  • James83940
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:35pm

    Yeah – “get over yourselves” with your PC culture. People need to lighten up.

    Report Post »  
  • TumbleBumble
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:35pm

    The Tibetan one left me scratching my head because the direction was changed so abruptly. I guess it felt like a hit-and-run. I was not offended by it, though.

    I could not stomach the two Doritos ones with the guy sniffing the pants (honestly soured my stomach) and sucking the fingers (GROSS).

    I have not purchased a Snickers product for my family since the Super Bowl commercial a few years back where two guys were munching on the same bar until they met in the middle. Doritos has now been filed along with Snickers as a ‘Will Never Buy Again’ product.

    Report Post » TumbleBumble  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:54pm

      little homophobic are we? Not that secure in our indentity, huh?

      Report Post »  
    • TumbleBumble
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:57pm

      My name is Jenny. Assume much?

      Report Post » TumbleBumble  
    • blazebird
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:18pm

      Thanks Etetetet for the list. I’ll copy it and try to remember not to let them upset me.

      Report Post » blazebird  
    • TumbleBumble
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:25pm

      ETETETET -
      Thanks so much for the list. I do recognize most but not all of the names; Encinom being one that I do not. I certainly appreciate you letting me know and will make a note of all of these people. I do agree that responding to the likes of them is a waste of time and only adds fuel to their little fire.
      Have a great weekend!

      Report Post » TumbleBumble  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:30pm

      @TumbleBumble

      Still your gender has nothing to do with your apparent homophobia. I guess you were upset when Beck was eating a weiner on O‘Reilly’s show.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:31pm

      Heh, a good many of those names are our buddy encinom himself. I actually prefer to call him beckisnuts because that name best fits his personality. He is using his exposejose name today too, havent seen that in a while.

      OTOH, there are some names that I would not consider “trolls” per say, but rather the opposition. I actually appreciate these guys for hanging out here because they make things interesting and offer a different point of view. They can be rude, obnoxious, or stupid also depending on the individual, but that is par for the course. Publiuspencilman and Broker come to mind, they are formidable “opponents” with quick minds. You have to respect that. Walkwithme is another that I would not consider a troll as much as misguided. I hold hope for her, she will eventually put down the liberal kool-aide.

      Just remember too, there are many right wing kool-aide drinkers in here too. Some people simply are just not reasonable. I suppose I can be considered unreasonable on certain issues myself. I know there is a God and His rules trump on issues such as abortion and homosexuality….

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:32pm

      @etetetet

      I’m #1, I’m #1, I’m #1….

      But really, I do enjoy watching the dwindling members of the tea-baggers association, rally around 1/2 Term Palin and Becky in an attempt to feel better about their own ignorance.

      Report Post »  
    • etetetet
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:39pm

      TROLLTRAINER – excellent points. I appreciate a good dialouge on those stories that can have facts behind them. You’re correct – BROKER101 has some good intelligence and can bring good dialouge to a subject, and I always learn from those on the left (not much some times but, something :) ) So, I should update and qualify the Troll list a litter. I did see exposejose on earlier stories and agree.
      Appreciate the feedback.

      Report Post »  
    • ConstitutionalPatriot
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:44pm

      Good one Jenny, But you no liberal’s ass-sume everything. I guess it comes from the location of their heads to Marx and Engels rear ends.

      Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
    • TumbleBumble
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:45pm

      TROLLTRAINER –
      “I know there is a God and His rules trump on issues such as abortion and homosexuality….” Amen.

      As far as Broker goes, I agree that he can make you think – As iron sharpens iron,
      so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
      But I think he is condescending and rude. I have a difficult time engaging with someone like that. So I will leave that up to those that are capable like you and watch from the sidelines. :)

      Report Post » TumbleBumble  
    • booger71
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 4:57pm

      encinom

      I’m not scared of rattlesnakes either but I still would not want to kiss one.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • ProgessiveFail
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 6:27pm

      The doritos one was pretty gross. I guess it was pro-gay judging by the trolls comment.

      Report Post » Progessives=Fail  
  • rodamaa
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:31pm

    really in bad taste but we got bigger fish to fry

    Report Post »  
    • awizard
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:51pm

      “The people of Tibet are in trouble … Their very culture is in jeopardy. But they still whip up an amazing fish curry.”

      Report Post » awizard  
  • El Barry Soetoro
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:30pm

    Sick, mental and harmful.

    El Barry Soetoro  
  • BMartin1776
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:29pm

    Those commercials were great, just a little humor for petes sake all you PC babies GROW UP!

    Report Post » BMartin1776  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:52pm

      It has nothing to with humor, not when democracy supporters are jailed, their spiritial leader is in exile and their culture destroyed by the Chinesse. Oh, wait this is the blaze, where the average beck follower supporters brutal dictators over the people, I bet the posters here cheered the tank during Tiennanmen.

       
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:37pm

      ENCINOM
      Wow a personal attack from you, what a surprise.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • ConstitutionalPatriot
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:42pm

      Hey B this isn‘t meant for you butt for the scumbag ’encinom’, you know the socialist little puke that likes to spout off about how we “Beckers” hate everyone. Hey puke look in the mirror, it seems the only one hate’n here was you, until I pointed out your low browed actions by giving you a taste of your own vile words.

      Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
  • Copenloaf
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:29pm

    If you listen to Fools, the Mob Rules….

    Report Post »  
  • etetetet
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:28pm

    Shows you how much attention the commercial caught my eye. I watched the whole game, and I don’t remember a Groupon ad. Mainly the little Darth Vader is what I remember – and a damn great game – way to go Packers

    Report Post »  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:28pm

    I use those groupon deals a lot, almost every week I buy another great deal at about half off. The email with the description of the deal always has irreverent humor also. I like to be politically incorrect myself but if you‘re a business you’d better be politically correct unless your customer base is only the incorrect type.

    Report Post » mossbrain  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:39pm

      Personally I am sick of PC and am dissapointed they caved.
      http://guerillatics.com

      Report Post »  
    • solaveritas
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 2:44pm

      Jesus only mentions “jesting” once in the Bible, and that is to tell people to “not do it”!!

      Its NOT ABOUT BEING PC. Its about showing respect for very serious issues by not using them for your personal amusement or business gain.

      We must continually “hold up” those things that are precious (personal freedom in Tibet, racial equality, sanctity of marriage, etc.) and choose less important issues to create humor.

      For 50 years all the late night shows have indoctrinated people into disrespectful humor about individuals. Sure, joking about Donald Trump’s hair is funny, but kidding about A-Rod having sex with Sarah Palin’s daughter is just CHEAP.

      solaveritas  
    • akamaikamaaina
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:17pm

      1961 and the rage was:

      Hear about the Helen Keller doll? You wind it up and it bumps into things.

      Hear about the Eisenhower doll? You wind it up and it does nothing for 8 years.

      Hear about the Mort Saul doll? You wind it up and it laughs at the Helen Kelller doll.

      Hear about the women that took Thalidamide? She had a 10 pound eye.

      Hire the handicapped, there fun to watch.

      What is the difference between a carload of bowling balls and a carload of dead babies? You can’t move bowling balls with a pitchfork.

      What a silly little nation we have become.

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:21pm

      @mossbrain
      This is a serious question. Is groupon a good value, and have you ever had a bad deal with it? Recommend or not? Thanks.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Lantern
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:31pm

      I’d be willing to bet that the same people who complain about this are the same people who watch reality tv, American idol, biggest loser, and the other garbage that passes for quality television these days. I don‘t want to sit there and watch someone else’s fake life happen in real time. I’ve got better things to do.

      Report Post » Lantern  
    • Pezman
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:32pm

      I’m with you. Most businesses can’t afford to be non-pc. If your target audience is of a very defined demo, then you can run targeted (sorry for the hateful rhetoric) goof advertising. . I imagine, a gun company might run a campaign making fun of liberals, but would would think twice before running an ad campaign that made gun owners look like knuckledraggers. Groupons audience is broader, so they ran the risk, and did indeed offend a lot of people. I personally thought the ads demostrated poor judgement more than anything else.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:40pm

      groupon has turned into poupon…

      Report Post »  
    • etetetet
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 3:48pm

      solaveritas
      God has both anger and a sense of humor.
      I mean come on look at things like a zebra, or a peach with it’s seed :)

      Report Post »  
    • Lantern
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 4:15pm

      I don’t really remember the ad, but I do remember seeing Mr. Timothy Sarandon.

      Report Post » Lantern  
    • Lantern
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 4:17pm

      Nevermind. I always Robbins and Hutton mixed up. Jeeze.

      Report Post » Lantern  
    • churchdog
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 6:23pm

      @solaveritas:
      I can only find one reference to jesting in the NT- Ephesians 5:4, and there Paul specifically forbids “coarse’ joking, like dirty jokes. Which reference did you have in mind?

      Report Post »  
    • REDPILLREADY
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 7:38pm

      This is the first moment I have become “groupon” aware. I admit I’m intrigued and will check out their website. Guess the campaign worked on me even though I don’t remember the ads.

      Report Post » REDPILLREADY  
    • Ditto Head
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 10:33pm

      That was one of the best commercials of the Super Bowl. At first they had me tricked, then when I realized they were mocking the “We-Care-More-Than-You” people, I had a good laugh.

      Report Post » Ditto Head  
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