“Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking,” is the phrase that Bloomingdale’s is now apologizing for after many say it makes light of date rape.
The luxury department store chain released its catalog that includes the advertisement this week, and the response from social media has prompted an apology from Bloomingdale’s.
The text is printed between a male and female model. The man is staring at the woman, who appears not to notice him as she laughs at something else.
The Guardian reports that a spokesperson for Bloomingdale’s issued a statement regarding the ad.
“In reflection of recent feedback, the copy we used in our recent catalog was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale’s sincerely apologizes for this error in judgment.”
Twitter users, however, are questioning how the statement ever made it to print, and who is responsible for the editorial process of the company’s advertisements.
How about just ‘Be nice to your friends. Buy them a jumper from #Bloomingdales‘ . Sorted. I’m off to NYC for my new job as copywriter.
— Emma Martin (@emma_l_martin) November 11, 2015
Fascinated that throughout the editing process, nobody suggested this Christmas ad is a bad idea #Bloomingdales pic.twitter.com/zUaNJnlK7y
— Lara DiamondPhillips (@Laradp) November 11, 2015
Bloomingdale’s also took to Twitter to issue a public apology.
“We heard your feedback about our catalog copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale’s sincerely apologizes,” the company tweeted.
We heard your feedback about our catalog copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale’s sincerely apologizes.
— Bloomingdale’s (@Bloomingdales) November 10, 2015
