Fox apologizes, clarifies Burger King's role in Jessica Simpson fat-joke cartoon
October 14, 2009
The Fox Network has apologized for a cartoon skit mocking celebrity Jessica Simpson as part of Fox's NFLSunday pre-grame show last weekend, according to a story by Dallas News SportsDay.
The Burger King-sponsored skit depicted two Dallas Cowboy players and a coach making fun of quarterback Tony Romo while cracking jokes about a past weight gain of Simpson, his former girlfriend. Critics and bloggers attacked Fox for the spot and Burger King for sponsoring it.
On Wednesday, Fox issued a statement apologizing and clarifying Burger King's involvement. From Dallas News SportsDay:
"Burger King did not have any editorial input in the creation of the animation that ran last Sunday, and no one from Burger King Corp., approved it before it aired.
"Upon reflection, our poor attempt at humor was insensitive, and we deeply apologize to anyone who might have been offended."
"Burger King Corp. has a long-standing relationship with FOX Sports, as well as an extensive media partnership with the network. The specific content for this sketch involving Jessica Simpson was not developed or aired by BKC or any of its agencies."