Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
After initially standing by a new ad featuring Ashton Kutcher in brownface, acting as a send-up of an Indian Bollywood producer, popchips has pulled the spot and apologized.
“We received a lot feedback about the dating campaign parody we launched today and appreciate everyone who took the time to share their point of view,” Keith Belling, the founder and CEO of the company, wrote in a note posted on the company’s website. “Our team worked hard to create a light-hearted parody featuring a variety of characters that was meant to provide a few laughs. We did not intend to offend anyone. I take full responsibility and apologize to anyone we offended.”
Earlier on Thursday, in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter, a popchips spokesperson said that the advertisement — one of four spots that features Kutcher as different characters, each in a dating video — should be enjoyed with good humor.
Continue at The Hollywood Reporter…