Uber Eats Faces Backlash Over Insensitive Super Bowl Ad Mocking Peanut Allergy
Uber Eats is facing severe criticism after its Super Bowl advertisement appeared to make light of a man’s allergic reaction to peanut butter. The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) charity expressed its disappointment and surprise at the company’s insensitivity towards allergies. One individual, who himself is allergic to peanuts, described the ad as “disgusting, tone-deaf, and completely unnecessary.”
The controversial commercial, titled “Don’t Forget Uber Eats,” features former Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer, as well as David and Victoria Beckham. The premise of the ad revolves around people forgetting things. In one scene, the Beckhams are shown in their kitchen, with David teasing Victoria about her past as a Spice Girl. However, the controversy arises when a man is depicted having an allergic reaction, with hives on his face and a swollen eye, while questioning the presence of peanuts in peanut butter.
Food Allergy Canada emphasized that food allergies should not be taken lightly and requested Uber Eats to edit the ad. Dr. Sung Poblete, the head of FARE, expressed concern over advertisements that use food allergies as humor, as they could potentially encourage bullying among children. She believes that such commercials and jokes give children the impression that there will be no harm and that it will be amusing. Dr. Poblete aims to educate Uber Eats about the challenges of living with a food allergy in order to raise awareness.
Anaphylaxis, defined by the NHS as a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly, can be triggered by food, medication, or insect stings. While the ad attempts to mitigate its humor by displaying a small disclaimer at the bottom of the screen stating, “Please please do not forget there are peanuts in peanut butter,” JD Arland from Indiana, who is allergic to peanuts and soy, argues that the text exacerbates the issue. Arland, a content manager for a sports website, expressed his frustration on social media, condemning the offensive joke and highlighting the bullying he has endured throughout his life due to stereotypical depictions of anaphylaxis. However, he also sees an opportunity for education and hopes that Uber Eats will make a stronger commitment to the food allergy community on their platform.
Super Bowl advertisements have become a significant aspect of the NFL competition, with some viewers tuning in solely to watch the ads. It is estimated that over 100 million people will watch the game on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.
In conclusion, Uber Eats is facing backlash for its Super Bowl ad that appeared to trivialize peanut allergies. The controversy has sparked conversations about the importance of raising awareness and understanding the seriousness of food allergies. While some individuals are outraged by the insensitivity displayed in the ad, others hope that this incident will serve as an opportunity for education and a commitment to supporting the food allergy community.
