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Russian leader calls Burger King ad creators "hellish people of the fast-food chain"

June 22, 2018

A Russian social media advertisement placed by Burger King that has since made global news evoked an apology from the brand this week. In the promotion, the U.S. burger brand pledged that the chain would pay Russian women impregnated by a World Cup soccer player $47,000 and Whoppers for life, according to a story in USA Today. 

The ad appeared on the Russian social media outlet, VK, but was pulled from the site Tuesday when Burger King leadership said it was offensive. In the ad, the burger chain refers to "girls who manage to get the best football genes," which many found offensive, along with other statements in the promotion.  

The brand released a statement to USA Today Sports acknowledging its blunder and claiming that "as soon as it was brought to our attention, we had it removed."

The promotional spot was among a number of World Cup-associated ads that played off the plight of the Russian team, which came in at the No. 70 slot in worldwide rankings, though it has performed well in the games.

The brand has not responded to QSRweb's request for further details. 

USA Today also quoted Russian State Duma Leader Vitaly Milanov blasting the brand by saying, "It is a very stupid campaign ... from the hellish people of the fast-food chain," and adding that through the ad the brand was "trying to attract attention, not by improving the quality, but through silly offers."