UPDATE 10:47 A.M. EST: BMW of North America has also suspended their ads. OUCH!
Good!
It sounds like Bill O’Reilly‘s multiple sexual harassment settlements have scared away advertisers — and we couldn’t be happier about it. Specifically, on Monday Mercedes-Benz announced that they’ll be pulling their ads which play during The O’Reilly Factor.
Related: Trump CAN Still Profit Off His Business While Being President!
In fact, it looks like the luxury car company is doing everything in their power to distance themselves from O’Reilly’s scandal. Mercedes-Benz spokesperson Donna Boland noted in a statement:
“Yes ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ we had advertising running on The O’Reilly Factor (we run on most major cable news shows) and it has been reassigned in the midst of this controversy. The allegations are disturbing and, given the importance of women in every aspect of our business, we don’t feel this is a good environment in which to advertise our products right now.”
Snap! Snap!
In case you forgot, The New York Times revealed on Saturday that Fox News and O’Reilly have shelled out $13 million in order to settle FIVE sexual harassment claims against the TV host. Ick.
And Mercedes-Benz is only the first major business to drop its ties with the political commentator as Hyundai Motor has also pulled its ads from the Fox News hit. A rep for the company revealed that they are “reallocating” the commercials and added:
“…due to the recent and disturbing allegations. As a company we seek to partner with companies and programming that share our values of inclusion and diversity. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation as we plan future advertising decisions.”
And things will likely get worse for O’Reilly and co. from here. Advertising expert Chad Kawalec explained to The Wrap:
“This is a blow for O’Reilly. This is not a decision Mercedes-Benz would have made lightly, especially considering O’Reilly is a top show on Fox.”
Preach. He added:
“Any advertiser who’s currently considering buying ads on O’Reilly will be reevaluating that decision right now. It also puts pressure on others, especially other car makers, who I’m sure are already asking their media-buying agencies if and when they should pull out.”
As they should! Reportedly, Lexus is currently “looking into the matter.”
It’ll be inneresting to see what happens to Bill’s show in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
[Image via WENN.]
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