Mars had to withdraw a controversial TV commercial in Spain

Snickers bar maker Mars Wrigley had to withdraw a controversial TV commercial in Spain. There was a wave of criticism for being homophobic. The chocolate candy maker apologized to the public for the misunderstanding. The 20-second commercial shows a Spanish influencer with a high-pitched voice, Aless Gibib, on the beach at a bar with a friend. There he asks the waiter for "sexy orange juice with vitamins A, B and C". Instead of juice, however, the waiter brings him a Snickers ice cream stick, after which the womanish Gibaja turns into a bearded man with a deep voice. When asked by a friend if he feels better, the man answers: "Better". Then Snickers' password flashes on the screen: "When you're hungry, it's not you." In response to social media advertising, users immediately condemned it as homophobic, some even calling for a boycott of Snickers. Spanish Equality Minister Irene Monter also commented on the clip. "I wonder who might think it's a good idea to use homophobia as a business strategy," she wrote on Twitter, adding that Spanish society is diverse and tolerant. "Let's hope that those who have the power to decide what we see and hear in commercials and TV shows will follow," she added. The brand subsequently publicly apologized for the misunderstanding caused by the advertisement. "By no means was it our intention to stigmatize or insult any person or group. In this particular campaign, the goal was to express in a friendly and informal way that hunger can change your mood, "the company said. The apologist Gibaja himself also came to the apology, who, according to his words, definitely did not want to offend anyone. "I want to make it clear that I would never hurt anyone. I have respect, equality and tolerance, "he commented on advertising, in which he plays a major role, on social networks. The ad appeared in the media only a few weeks after the murder of 24-year-old Samuel Luiz in Spain. According to witnesses, the murder had a homophobic motive and provoked a wave of protests this week in Madrid, Barcelona and many other Spanish cities. It has mobilized thousands of people who have condemned the attacks on the LGBTQ community. In connection with the incident, the police have so far arrested six people, including two minors. A spokesman for Mars Wrigley, which owns Snickers, said they wanted to learn from the mistake. "We want a world where everyone can be themselves, and we believe that as an employer and advertiser, we have a role to play and a responsibility in creating this world."