Pizza Hut Israel pulls ad after backlash over hostage release reference

Users complain to Instagram after fast-food chain promotes new product 'soon arriving in Israel' using language resembling hostage release report; company issues apology

Meirav Crystal|
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Pizza Hut Israel removed an online advertisement following public backlash over its resemblance to the release of hostages from Hamas captivity.
The ad, a teaser for a new product, featured a mock breaking news report. “We see him coming, there are no delays,” a "reporter" says on camera, before announcing that the product would soon be available in Israel.
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סרטון הפרסומת של פיצה האט
סרטון הפרסומת של פיצה האט
Controversial Pizza Hut ad
(Video: from Instagram)
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The ad quickly drew criticism on social media, with Instagram users posting comments such as “Are you out of your minds?” and “Shocking. Comparing pizza to hostages?” Instagram later removed the post following complaints.
“We had no intention to allude to a hostage release in our post,” Pizza Hut Israel said in a statement. “As soon as we were alerted to the possible interpretation of our commercial, we removed it. We apologize to anyone who may have been offended and, of course, hope for the quick return of all the hostages.”
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