The collaboration between Heinz and GDK with influencer Yung Filly faces abrupt suspensions after his arrest.
- Social media content for Heinz’s limited edition ‘Secret Sauce’ has been pulled following Yung Filly’s legal issues.
- GDK partnered with Heinz and influencers for a campaign, which now sees content removal amid recent controversies.
- Filly’s involvement in other corporate partnerships also sees swift cessation post his arrest in Australia.
- The incident coincides with Heinz’s apology over unrelated, racially insensitive ads.
In an unforeseen turn of events, the collaboration between Heinz and German Doner Kebab (GDK) featuring influencer Yung Filly has come to an abrupt halt. The decision to remove posts related to the limited edition ‘Secret Sauce’ from social media was made in light of Filly’s recent legal troubles. The launch of this product occurred only last month and included participation from popular internet personalities such as Harry Pinero and Yung Filly. Despite the swift withdrawal of content associated with this promotion, other earlier campaigns by Heinz remain unaffected, including the notable ‘Barbie-cue’ sauce developed in association with Mattel’s Barbie.
Yung Filly, who enjoys a significant following with over 18 million subscribers on YouTube and appearances on “The Great Celebrity Bake Off,” was taken into custody last week in Australia. He faces serious allegations of sexual assault. As the news of his arrest surfaced, corporate partners started distancing themselves, with notable brands like Marks & Spencer (M&S) pulling out of a joint venture that would have seen Filly in interviews with sports figures like Bukayo Saka, Ezri Konsa, and Jarrod Bowen.
This development comes on the heels of Heinz’s recent public relations challenge wherein the company had to issue an apology following criticisms of their London tube advertisements. These advertisements were perceived as racially insensitive, portraying stereotypes unintentionally. Subsequent to these complaints, Heinz removed another advert that evoked minstrel imagery. The simultaneous unfolding of these controversies has placed Heinz in the spotlight, with its marketing strategies under scrutiny.
The suspension of the social media campaign reflects a broader scrutiny on influencer collaborations amid controversies.
