KFC's 'finger lickin' good' ad called 'irresponsible' by viewers during coronavirus outbreak
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}No more finger lickin’ here.
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Amid the coronavirus outbreak, KFC has suspended advertisements using the brand’s classic “Finger Lickin’ Good” slogan in the U.K. after the Advertising Standards Authority reportedly received multiple complaints concerning a new ad that launched two weeks ago.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The ASA received 163 complaints from viewers after the ad debuted on television, a spokesperson confirmed to Fox News. The commercial, called "Piano," showed multiple people licking their fingers while eating in public places.
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Complaints called the ad “irresponsible” because it potentially “encourages behavior that might increase the chances of coronavirus spreading,” e.g, touching the face.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}After airing the ad, however, KFC quickly ended the campaign before ASA had even informed the fast-food chain of viewers’ concerns, the spokesperson told Fox News.
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KFC did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment, but in a statement to AdAge, the brand said it was withdrawing the ad, and alluded to the viral pandemic.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“It doesn’t feel like the right time to be airing this campaign, so we’ve decided to pause it for now — but we’re really proud of it and look forward to bringing it back at a later date,” the statement read.
After airing the ad, KFC quickly ended the campaign. (iStock)
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The fried chicken chain is not the only brand thinking twice about its advertisements in light of the worldwide outbreak.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hershey’s also pulled an ad featuring people hugging and shaking hands, while Coors Light discontinued its “Official Beer of Working Remotely” campaign amid the outbreak, AdAge reported.