- Written by Ashley Swan
- business reporter
image source, Uber Eats advertisement
The ad also depicts David and Victoria Beckham having trouble remembering the Spice Girls’ names.
Uber Eats is facing backlash after its Super Bowl ad appeared to make light of a man who had an allergic reaction to peanut butter.
The Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) charity said it was “surprised and disappointed” to see the company using allergies as a joke.
One person, who himself has a peanut allergy, criticized the ad, calling it “disgusting, tone-deaf and completely unnecessary.”
The BBC has contacted Uber Eats for comment.
“Don’t Forget Uber Eats” was launched as the company’s Super Bowl ad and was expected to be viewed by millions of Americans during Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Former Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer also appear, as well as David Beckham and Victoria Beckham.
The premise of this ad is about people forgetting things.
There’s a scene where the Beckhams are in the kitchen and David says to former Spice Girl Victoria, “Remember when you were the Pepper Lady?” She replied, “Wasn’t it the Cinnamon Sisters?”
But controversy arose when a man with hives on his face and swollen eyes who appeared to be having an allergic reaction asked, “Are there peanuts in peanut butter?” He looked at the label on the bottle.
He is later shown saying, “Oh, that’s the main ingredient.”
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Dr. Son Pobrete, director of the charity FARE, said he had come across advertisements that used food allergies as humor, and was concerned that this could encourage bullying among children. Ta.
“These kinds of commercials and jokes trick kids into thinking they’re harmless and funny,” she says.
She said she wanted to educate Uber Eats about what it’s like to live with food allergies to raise awareness.
anaphylaxis The NHS defines it as a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very rapidly. It can be caused by food, medicine, insect bites, etc.
The ad seems to try to hide its humor by saying in small font at the bottom of the screen, “Remember, peanut butter contains peanuts.”
But J.D. Erland of Indiana, who is allergic to peanuts and soy, said, “The text at the bottom makes it even worse.”
He vented his frustration on social media, writing: “Disgusting, tone-deaf and completely unnecessary use of allergic reactions in advertising.
“I have been bullied relentlessly throughout my life for this classic depiction of anaphylaxis. Perpetuating this offensive joke is unacceptable at Uber Eats.”
Despite his anger, Mr Arland told the BBC there was an opportunity for education.
“As someone [with food allergies]… It’s really difficult to order delivery. They need to know not only about the restaurant, but how the food is prepared, and rely on drivers, apps, and systems to provide special instructions to the restaurant.
“So we hope that Uber Eats will be more proactive with the food allergy community on its platform.”
Super Bowl ads have become an important part of NFL competitions, with some viewers watching the game just to see the ads.
More than 100 million people are expected to watch the game Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.
