Red Bull's Titanic ad could face investigation after 110 complaints

via theguardian.com



A Red Bull TV advert (seen above) suggesting that Titanic passengers could have survived if they had drunk the energy drink is facing a possible investigation after complaints from descendants of those travelling on the doomed liner.

The Advertising Standards Authority has received 110 complaints since 9 September about the Red Bull ad, including one from the Titanic Heritage Trust.

Titanic Heritage Trust founder Howard Nelson said: "Red Bull is using a tragic event to promote and sell its products without care for the people that were lost."

Philip Littlejohn, the grandson of Titanic survivor Alexander James Littlejohn, has also complained to the watchdog and wants the ad banned.

The ad, which has been shown on British TV, sees a crate of the energy drink being lifted onto an unknown ocean liner.

But the captain of the ship stops the crate from being lowered onto the deck, saying that the ship didn't need wings. Red Bull's advertising slogan is "Red Bull gives you wings".

As it is lowered, it is revealed that the ship is actually the Titanic.

Red Bull will this week find out if the ad is to be investigated by the ASA, which could lead to a possible ban.

The decision on whether to ban the ad will not be based on the number of complaints received but as to whether it violates the advertising code.

Red Bull had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.