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Durex deletes offensive tweets
Following the controversy around a Durex Twitter account faux pas, the condom maker has apologised and deleted offensive tweets from its Twitter account that caused an outcry over the weekend.
Durex posted a message on Sunday saying the “irresponsible” tweets had been removed, although an inappropriate photo showing a naked man was still visible on the account.
“Due to the offensive nature and the response received, the irresponsible tweets have respectfully been removed,” read the Tweet.
The scandal began late on Thursday following a series of misogynist, sexist tweets that were apparently sent out by Durex’s public relations company in South Africa.
The scandal grabbed headlines both here and around the globe. European news site The Next Web, accused the condom maker of supporting of sexual abuse.
The tweets, via the company’s South African Twitter account @DurexSA, caused an outcry amongst tweeters, bloggers and mainstream media.
One tweet in particular sparked the outrage, reading: “Why did God give men penises? So they could have one way to shut women up. #DurexJoke” – inappropriate to say the least considering it was posted on the eve of a 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children event.
In what can be seen as a case study on how companies should not use social media to further their brand, some other offensive tweets, intended to be humorous, read:
“What do a good bar and a good woman have in common? Liquor in the front and poker from the back! #DurexJoke”
“What do the Mafia and a vagina have in common? One slip of the tongue, and you’re in deep shit #DurexJoke”
On Friday, before deleting the tweets, the Durex Twitter account initially tried to defend itself in a rather poorly-worded and badly-constructed tweet: “The DurexSA account later posted an apparent defence of the jokes: “our followers who we engage with regularly loves it & the those who dont, com[p]lain” [sic], and “We have posted many jokes, see our timeline… And they not violent against woman! Re-read it!!!!!” [sic].”
An apology then followed:
“As a brand respected by millions, we wld like 2 take this opportunity 2 apologize 4 the jokes posted on our timeline yesterday #DurexApology” [sic]
This was later followed by the removal of the offensive jokes.
Euro RSCG South Africa — the public relations agency responsible for Durex’s Twitter account also sent out a press release with the following apology:
“Euro RSCG takes full responsibility for the incident. An employee tasked with the management of Durex’s Twitter site posted the offensive comment. This comment is contrary to and in no way reflects the brand’s values,” says Lynn Madeley, CEO of Euro RSCG South Africa.
“Euro RSCG would like to unreservedly apologise to the public for the unsavoury tweet and any offence caused. We also extend our apologies to Durex SA for the public embarrassment that this unfortunate incident has caused.”
