Spirit Airlines Pulls 'Bang For Buck' Ad
Spirit Airlines has issued an apology and pulled a "More Bang For Your Buck" ad spoofing the Secret Service prostitution scandal at the Colombian government's request, according to NBC Miami.
The ad featured pink bikini-clad women in high heels and standing around a message that reads "More Bang For Your Buck: Upfront Payment is Required." A man in a black suit, sunglasses and an earpiece has his pointer finger over his lips as if he's saying, "Shh."
The ad capitalized on the scandal that ensued after a group of Secret Service agents allegedly cavorted with prostitutes (and refused to pay at least one) in Cartagena before President Obama's state visit over a week ago. The men drank whiskey at a brothel, bragged about working for Obama, and brought women from the club back to their hotel after picking up more escorts, sources said.
Spirit Airlines in a statement said that at the Colombian government's request, "Spirit pulled its ad yesterday, and we meant no disrespect to our many friends and valued customers."
This is not the first time Spirit has marketed an attention-getting of questionable taste. 2011-s Anthony Weiner scandal prompted Spirit to launch "The Weiner Sale, With Fares Too Hard to Resist." There was also the M.I.L.F. sale (Many Islands, Low Fares) and the sale timed with the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court: "Justice Ochita Suprema Ruling against high fares. Fares as low as $8 each way!"
After the oil spill in the gulf, Spirit's "Check Out the Oil on Our Beaches," offended some. As did the MUFF (Many Unbelievably Fantastic Fares) Diving Sales to diving destinations.
With reporting by Genevieve Brown