Why Pepsi apologised over its Wild Cherry flavour campaig
Global soft drinks giant Pepsi has had to issue an apology over its recent promotion of Wild Cherry flavour. The company removed a social media post which received backlash for language that many users alleged trivialised consent.
Pepsi had posted on Threads the following under a promotional campaign: “Pepsi Wild Cherry is what happens when regular cherry stops asking permission.”
The wording did not go down well with a majority of online users who argued that the message was problematic and trivialised consent.
Many social media users described the copy as insensitive, while raising questions on its approval process.
They pointed out the copy was loose enough to suggest reference to sexual consent.
The brand was accused of making light of sexual consent through the campaign, with some urging companies to be cautious when using language in advertising that had sexual connotations.
Pepsi acknowledged the criticism, removed the post and issued a public apology on social media.
“Our recent Wild Cherry post landed in a way we never intended. We hear you, we’re sorry, and the post has been deleted,” the company stated.
The incident shows the level of scrutiny brands face these days over their smallest moves, as social media intensifies the reach of messaging.
