18 Ads That Were Pulled After Just One Airing
These 18 ads were pulled after airing only once due to backlash, controversy, or poor judgment.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Some ads never get a second chance. These commercials aired a single time before being removed because they were offensive, sparked public criticism, or crossed serious boundaries. This list highlights real cases where advertising missteps led to immediate cancellations.
1. Pepsi – Kendall Jenner Protest Ad
PepsiCo, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
In 2017, Pepsi released a commercial featuring Kendall Jenner joining a protest and handing a police officer a can of soda. The ad was accused of trivializing social justice movements, particularly the Black Lives Matter movement. Viewers criticized it for lacking awareness and sensitivity. Pepsi apologized and withdrew the ad shortly after its release.
2. Apple – “Lemmings” (1985)
Rob Janoff on Wikimedia Commons
Apple aired an ad during the 1985 Super Bowl called “Lemmings” to promote its Macintosh Office. The commercial depicted people blindly walking off a cliff while wearing blindfolds, implying that most office workers followed outdated practices. Viewers found the tone offensive and confusing. Apple received negative feedback and did not re-air the ad.
3. General Motors – Robot Ad
Locke Cole on Wikimedia Commons
In a 2007 Super Bowl ad, GM showed a robot being fired from a factory, growing depressed, and attempting to jump off a bridge. The commercial was intended to promote quality control at General Motors. Mental health organizations objected to the depiction of suicide. GM edited and eventually removed the ad from circulation.
4. Snickers – Mr. T Ad
JaroslavPetrek on Wikimedia Commons
In 2008, Snickers aired a commercial featuring Mr. T yelling at a speed walker and firing a candy bar at him from a tank. The ad drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who said it promoted violence and homophobia. Public complaints led Mars, the parent company, to pull the ad. It was only broadcast once in the UK before being withdrawn.
5. Just for Feet – Super Bowl Ad
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
In 1999, Just for Feet aired a Super Bowl ad showing a group of men chasing and drugging a barefoot African runner to force shoes on him. The ad was widely criticized for being racially insensitive and culturally offensive. The company faced a lawsuit from the ad agency. The commercial aired only once, and the company went out of business later that year.
6. Ford – Fiesta Suicide Bomber Ad
Ivan Radic on Wikimedia Commons
In 2013, a mock ad created by Ford’s agency in India showed a cartoon suicide bomber failing to detonate a bomb in a Ford Fiesta. The ad was leaked online and was never officially approved. It caused widespread outrage due to the use of terrorism as a joke. Ford issued an apology and removed the ad immediately.
7. Calvin Klein – Basement Casting Ad
Peter Saville on Wikimedia Commons
In the mid-1990s, Calvin Klein released an ad styled like a basement casting call, featuring teens answering suggestive questions. Critics said the video resembled child exploitation and pornography. Several complaints were made to the authorities. Calvin Klein pulled the ad after one airing and said it was never intended to offend.
8. Microsoft – Windows 95 “Start Me Up”
Tyler Lahti on Wikimedia Commons
Microsoft used The Rolling Stones’ song “Start Me Up” to promote Windows 95. The lyrics included lines that some found inappropriate for a tech product launch. After one official airing, the ad was pulled and re-edited. Microsoft replaced the campaign with other marketing materials.
9. Nationwide – Dead Child Ad
Kalel2007 on Wikimedia Commons
In 2015, Nationwide aired a Super Bowl ad about a young boy who narrates things he’ll never do because he died in a household accident. The company stated that its goal was to raise awareness of child safety. Viewers said the ad was too upsetting and inappropriate for a sports event. Nationwide removed the ad and acknowledged the criticism.
10. Hyundai – Emissions Suicide Ad
Hyundai Motor Company on Wikimedia Commons
Hyundai aired an ad in the UK in 2013 that showed a man attempting suicide in a garage using a Hyundai with clean emissions. Because the car emitted no harmful gases, the man survived. Mental health advocates condemned the message. Hyundai apologized and immediately pulled the ad.
11. Sony – White PSP Billboard
Yasuo Kuroki on Wikimedia Commons
In 2006, Sony launched a billboard in the Netherlands showing a white woman holding a Black woman’s face to promote the white PlayStation Portable. The ad was meant to highlight the color contrast between PSP models. Viewers said it appeared racially charged. Sony removed the billboard after receiving backlash.
12. GoDaddy – Super Bowl Kiss Ad
GoDaddy on Wikimedia Commons
In 2013, GoDaddy aired a Super Bowl ad where a supermodel kissed a stereotypically nerdy man in a close-up shot. Many viewers found it uncomfortable and criticized it for being overly sexual and awkward. The company faced negative reactions online. GoDaddy pulled the ad from further airings after the game.
13. Heineken – “Lighter is Better” Ad
Andybryant on Wikimedia Commons
Heineken released an ad in 2018 showing a bartender sliding a light beer past several dark-skinned people before it reached a lighter-skinned woman. The tagline read “Sometimes, lighter is better.” The ad received accusations of racial insensitivity. Heineken removed the ad and stated it missed the intended message.
14. Audi – Used Car and Bride Ad
Daniel Milner on Wikimedia Commons
In 2017, Audi aired a commercial in China comparing a used car inspection to checking a bride’s physical features at a wedding. The mother-in-law examined the bride’s teeth, ears, and nose before nodding approval. The ad caused widespread public anger for being sexist. Audi responded by taking it down and issuing an apology.
15. Coca-Cola – Crimea Map Ad
Rundvald on Wikimedia Commons
In 2015, Coca-Cola posted a holiday ad online with a map of Russia that excluded Crimea. After criticism from Russian viewers, Coca-Cola re-released the ad with Crimea included. This change upset Ukrainian audiences. Coca-Cola deleted both versions and released a statement expressing regret.
16. Volkswagen – German Darth Vader Ad
Ivan Radic on Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen’s U.S. commercial featuring a child dressed as Darth Vader using a car remote was popular. However, a German version aired where the child caused the car to explode. The imagery was considered inappropriate and alarming. Volkswagen pulled the version after it aired online just once.
17. DiGiorno – Hashtag Misuse
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
In 2014, DiGiorno tweeted, “#WhyIStayed You had pizza,” during a trending domestic violence discussion. The company did not research the hashtag beforehand. After realizing the mistake, they deleted the tweet. DiGiorno apologized repeatedly and said the tweet was unintentional.
18. Bloomingdale’s – Eggnog Ad
Macy’s Inc on Wikimedia Commons
In a 2015 holiday catalog, Bloomingdale’s printed an ad that said, “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.” The line was seen as promoting non-consensual behavior. It quickly drew heavy criticism on social media. Bloomingdale’s issued an apology and pulled the campaign.