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Sprite receives #BrutallyRefreshing feedback on 'Misogynist' Joe ad takeover, Coca-Cola apologises

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

August 3, 2016 | 5 min read

Sprite is the latest brand to be accused of misogyny (see Saatchi and Saatchi, and Gap) after Twitter mobilized to criticise a curiously risqué ad campaign the soda brand elected to run focusing on sex.

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Banner ads carrying slogans such as ‘A 2 at 10 is a 10 at 2!’, ‘She’s seen more ceilings… than Michelangeo,’ and ‘You’re not popular, you’re easy’ were discovered on Joe.com, looking to get consumers using #BrutallyRefreshing.

Of course, a flurry of misogyny and sexism accusations came to dominate the feed on Twitter, unkeen on Sprite's apparent need to make such comments.

One Twitter user captured the full page buy on Joe.IE’s homepage.

The digital campaign was widely criticised with a subversion of the brand’s hashtag.

Joe.IE has since removed the takeover. Editor Paddy McKenna issued an apology.

The campaign is intent on outing the uncomfortable truths between friends. The assumedly friendly joshing nature of the creative seems to have been lost in translation however.

Irish Snapchatters James Kavanagh and James Patrice helped head up the campaign in the following video.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson, said: “We’re sorry for any offence caused by the #BrutallyRefreshing Sprite campaign in Ireland, which was intended to provide an edgy but humorous take on a range of situations.

“Since its introduction in Ireland, Sprite has been associated with individuality and self-expression and we have always been committed to ensuring we deliver the highest standard of advertising.

“We recognise that on this particular occasion the content did not meet this standard and we apologise. The campaign has now come to an end and the advert in question will not appear again."

Joe today announced the hiring a slew of senior staff, hailing a supposed new era of content 'for men, not lads'.

Joe Media Coca-Cola Advertising

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