SNAPCHAT HAS APOLOGISED to Rihanna over advertising featuring the singer and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown that ‘made light of domestic violence’.
The advert, which is for a game, asks users if they would “rather slap Rihanna or punch Chris Brown”.
It appears to reference Chris Brown’s conviction for assaulting Rihanna in his car in 2009 while they were dating.
Snap said the advert, which was only published in the US, was published “in error” and had been removed immediately.
The advert was reviewed and approved in error, as it violates our advertising guidelines. We immediately removed the ad last weekend, once we became aware.
We are sorry that this happened.”
Yeah, not great.
Activists and celebrities came out against the advert on Twitter.
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Snap’s advertising policy is outlined on its website and includes information on its review procedure.
“All ads are subject to our review and approval. We reserve the right to reject or remove any ad in our sole discretion for any reason.
We also reserve the right to request modifications to any ad, and to require factual substantiation for any claim made in an ad,” it says.
There is also a list of banned content, including “shocking, sensational, or disrespectful content”.
Rihanna hasn’t publicly commented on the statement.
UPDATE 15:35 15/03/2018 - Rihanna has taken to her Instagram Story to address the controversy.
“Now Snapchat, I know you already know that ain’t my favourite app out there! But I’m just trying to figure out what the point was with this mess!
You spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring shame to DV [domestic violence] victims and made a joke of it! [...] You let us down! Shame on you!”
