Apple is apologizing for one of its ads again

Following backlash criticizing an Apple ad’s outdated and stereotyped portrayal of Thailand, Apple has removed it and issued an apology. The antagonistic attraction follows Apple’s apology for nan “Crush” iPad Pro ad and its removal from broadcasts successful May aft it attracted wide disapproval among nan imaginative community.

“Thai group are profoundly unhappy pinch nan advertisement,” Thai lawmaker Sattra Sripan said successful a connection reported by Bloomberg. “I promote Thai group to extremity utilizing Apple products and alteration to different brands.”

The 10-minute ad, titled “OOO (Out of Office),” was nan latest successful Apple’s The Underdogs drama bid depicting a recurring formed of coworkers arsenic they usage Apple products to resoluteness issues wrong their workplace.

The advertisement debuted successful mid-July and featured nan Underdogs squad navigating astir Thailand connected a quest to find a caller packaging factory. Thai citizens, lawmakers, and influencers criticized nan video’s use of sepia filters and depiction of an airport, transportation, clothing, and hotels for misrepresenting nan state arsenic being underdeveloped.

“Our intent was to observe nan country’s optimism and culture, and we apologize for not afloat capturing nan vibrancy of Thailand today,” Apple said successful a connection connected Friday. “The movie is nary longer being aired.” Apple says it collaborated pinch a section accumulation institution successful Thailand to create nan video, according to 9to5Mac. The advertisement has since been removed from Apple’s YouTube channels, though nan afloat type tin still beryllium viewed successful this study by Campaign.

Thailand’s premier minister, Srettha Thavisin, who had antecedently promoted nan ad, told reporters that location are 2 sides to each coin, reports section insubstantial Thairath (translated). Asked by reporters if he was concerned “Apple mightiness not want to put successful Thailand anymore because Thai group are against it and will move to utilizing Android more,” he said he was not.

While Apple’s iPad Pro “Crush” advertisement is still disposable to watch connected Apple’s main YouTube channel, we tin only find one of nan 5 ads that were released successful The Underdogs video series. We person asked Apple if further videos person besides been taken offline and will update if we perceive back.