Bloomingdale’s apologises after ‘date rape’ eggnog ad sparks uproar on social media
Twitter users condemn ‘creepy’ ad as US department store becomes second large company this year to face accusations of promoting rape
A woman is laughing, head tossed back, focused on something over her right shoulder. A man stares at her, unsmiling. The caption reads: “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.”
This advertisement, part of the new holiday catalogue at Bloomingdale’s, inspired instant backlash on the internet.
“Unbelievably, that Bloomingdales date rape ad is actually real. If anyone needs a gentle reminder,” one woman on Twitter wrote. “Fascinated that throughout the editing process, nobody suggested this Christmas ad is a bad idea,” added another, with the hashtag #Bloomingdales.
A large majority of the comments online have labelled the ad as “creepy.”
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In response to the uproar, Bloomingdale’s issued a prompt apology: “In reflection of recent feedback, the copy we used in our recent catalogue was inappropriate and in poor taste.” A spokesman wouldn't say how the spiking directive was approved.