13 Misleading Commercials That Aged Poorly
These 13 commercials once seemed clever or convincing, but now they feel misleading, outdated, or tone-deaf.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Some ads once praised for their creativity now seem out of touch or dishonest. Whether due to false claims, changing values, or poor predictions, these commercials didn’t age well. Looking back, they reveal how fast public opinion and industry standards can shift.
1. Pepsi – Kendall Jenner Protest Ad
CalebBub on Wikimedia Commons
Pepsi aired a commercial featuring Kendall Jenner joining a street protest and handing a police officer a can of soda. The ad seemed to suggest that a Pepsi could ease social tension. Many people said it trivialized serious issues like racism and police violence. Pepsi pulled the ad and apologized after major backlash.
2. Volkswagen – “Clean Diesel” Ads
Filip Frid on Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen promoted its diesel vehicles as environmentally friendly and low in emissions. Later, it was discovered that the company installed software to cheat emissions tests. This made the ads appear dishonest and part of a cover-up. The scandal resulted in billions of dollars in fines and a loss of public trust.
3. McDonald’s – “Dead Dad” Ad (UK)
SilentSpike on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s released a commercial about a boy who found a connection to his late father through a McDonald’s meal. The message was meant to be emotional, but many felt it used grief to sell food. Viewers criticized it as manipulative and inappropriate. McDonald’s removed the ad after negative feedback.
4. Microsoft – Internet Explorer “Browser You Loved to Hate”
Microsoft Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
This ad campaign attempted to lighten the negative reputation of Internet Explorer. It aimed to show the company was aware of past problems and wanted to change. Instead, it reminded users why they stopped using the browser. Internet Explorer was eventually discontinued and replaced by Microsoft Edge.
5. Bic – “Look Like a Girl. Act Like a Lady.” (South Africa)
Nguyen16helene on Wikimedia Commons
Bic posted a Women’s Day ad with the message “Look like a girl. Act like a lady. Think like a man. Work like a boss.” Many people saw the message as sexist and outdated. It appeared to reinforce harmful gender roles rather than celebrate women. Bic took down the ad and issued an apology.
6. Huggies – “Dad Test” Commercials
ParentingPatch on Wikimedia Commons
Huggies aired commercials that showed fathers struggling to change diapers. The ads implied that dads were less capable when it came to parenting tasks. Many viewers, including fathers, found the message offensive and unfair. Huggies later changed its approach to show more balanced parenting.
7. EA – “Surprise Mechanics” in Loot Boxes
Electronic Arts on Wikimedia Commons
Electronic Arts defended the use of loot boxes in games by calling them “surprise mechanics.” The company compared them to toys like Kinder Eggs. Many players and experts argued that loot boxes encouraged gambling-like behavior, especially in children. The term became a symbol of how companies avoid responsibility.
8. Camel – “More Doctors Smoke Camels”
Ghiowd3 on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1940s, Camel cigarettes ran ads claiming more doctors smoked their brand than any other. These ads used the image of medical professionals to make smoking seem safe. At the time, the dangers of smoking were not fully known to the public. Today, the ad is widely seen as deceptive and harmful.
9. Reebok – “Cheat On Your Girlfriend, Not Your Workout”
Reebok on Wikimedia Commons
Reebok used this slogan in an ad campaign to promote fitness commitment. The message compared cheating on a person to skipping workouts. People found the line disrespectful and offensive. Reebok removed the ad and apologized after strong criticism.
10. PlayStation – “White PSP” Billboard
Sony Interactive Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
Sony put up a billboard in the Netherlands showing a white woman holding a Black woman’s face to promote the white PSP. The ad was intended to highlight product color contrast. Many people said the image was racially insensitive and offensive. Sony removed the billboard after receiving public complaints.
11. Weight Watchers – “Freestyle” Oprah Campaign
Paula Scher on Wikimedia Commons
Weight Watchers launched a campaign featuring Oprah Winfrey to promote its new Freestyle program. Oprah called it a flexible approach to eating and living better. Critics later questioned if the program encouraged unhealthy attitudes toward food and body image. The ad felt outdated as health discussions became more focused on mental well-being.
12. Kendall + Kylie – “Vintage Band Tees”
Conde Nast Russia on Wikimedia Commons
Kendall and Kylie Jenner sold t-shirts featuring their photos over images of famous musicians, including Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G., without obtaining approval from the artists’ estates. Families of the musicians called it disrespectful and legally improper. The shirts were quickly removed from stores.
13. Dr. Pepper – “It’s Not for Women” (Dr. Pepper Ten)
David Levy on Wikimedia Commons
Dr. Pepper launched a diet soda called Dr. Pepper Ten with ads that said it was “not for women.” The campaign tried to appeal to men by distancing itself from diet culture. Many people saw the message as sexist and unnecessary. The product and campaign did not last long.