After apologizing for an iPad ad earlier this year, weak-kneed Apple has apologized, and pulled, another advertisement, “The Underdogs: OOO (Out of Office),” which was set in Thailand. The ad was pulled after a backlash from “influencers” and lawmakers alongside hysterical calls for an Apple boycott over the 10-minute short film’s portrayal of the country that they deemed “offensive.”
See also: Peak Tim Cook: Apple ridiculously apologizes over iPad Pro ‘Crush’ ad – May 9, 2024
Here’s “The Underdogs: OOO (Out of Office)” via Vimeo:
Patpicha Tanakasempipat for Bloomberg News:
The 10-minute Apple film titled “The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office),” the fifth installment in the comedic series that follows a group of co-workers as they navigate workplace assignments and solve issues with Apple products and features, was online for about two weeks. It was set in Bangkok and Rayong, with the co-workers traveling to Thailand on a low-budget quest to find a new packaging factory.
As part of their adventure, the protagonists were seen riding in an iconic Thai tuk-tuk, engaging with quirky locals, and staying in a dilapidated hotel in Bangkok. Social media influencers and internet users, however, said the country was grossly misrepresented as underdeveloped and outdated. Apple said it meant no offense and had collaborated with a local production company on the commercial.
The commercial also sparked concerns among lawmakers in the tourism committee of the House of Representatives, which had planned to invite representatives from Apple and state agencies for a discussion on the matter, according to panel spokesman Sattra Sripan.
“Thai people are deeply unhappy with the advertisement,” Sattra said in a statement on Thursday. “I encourage Thai people to stop using Apple products and change to other brands.”
“Our intent was to celebrate the country’s optimism and culture, and we apologize for not fully capturing the vibrancy of Thailand today,” the company said in a statement on Friday. “The film is no longer being aired.”
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MacDailyNews Take: Can we please get a CEO with a sack?
Offended? Good. Marinate in it. Do us all a huge favor and hold your breath while waiting for our apology.
Clearly, the west’s abhorrent culture of victimhood has been exported intact to Thailand. it seems that concentrating on bullshit allows the vapid to avoid having to deal with actual problems, much less formulate real solutions to them.
Tim Cook’s Apple has a proven propensity to cowardly capitulate to any wheel that happens to squeak. Best not make any videos, lest you offend a handful of random assholes with TikTok accounts, right Apple?
“If you’re not offending somebody somewhere, then your show is probably just very bland and boring.” – Mike Scully
“Just because you’re offended, it doesn’t mean you’re right!” – Ricky Gervais
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MacDailyNews Take: “Can we please get a CEO with a sack?
Offended? Good. Marinate in it. Do us all a huge favor and hold your breath while waiting for our apology.”
Good God in heaven, I absofsckinglutely LOVE MacDailyNews!
How do I give MDN’s Take a thousand stars?
So tired of the perpetually aggrieved!
I travel to Thailand, I love Thailand, I have Thai friends and business contacts, and I thought this film was great.
I actually thought it was smart showing Thailand as a supplier of commercial goods (and competent business people), rather than as a simple tourist destination, which is the usual trope.
Oh well!
I liked the film as well.
but running an international company is not like running a niche blog.
you have to build and sustain relationships.
Good on Tim Cook for doing what’s best for Apple, even if it jars with our personal sensibilities.
I am offended because I did not get offended.
How’s that for a critique?
Arnold, it sounds lie you’re just not burdened by the passage of time and you’re happy with what you’ve become.
Apple doesn’t need a CEO who is concerned about flexing his muscles and proving his manhood. Apple needs a CEO who is able to make decisions that are in the best interests of the company. Tim Cook is that CEO.
Or haven’t you noticed the stock price lately?
Tim Cook obviously saw and approved the short film before it was released.
Then, with a bit of manufactured “controversy,” the nutless wonder couldn’t kowtow fast enough, throwing the work of his own people under the bus, as usual.
With a real leader, one who didn’t miss GenAI and then was forced to vaporware it, AAPL would be worth A LOT MORE THAN IT IS TODAY.
Ain’t that the truth!
Apple needs to grow a pair!
Here’s what Steve Jobs would say:
It’s a simple film. No offense was meant, none should be taken.
It will not be pulled. We will not apologize.
I assume you’d like to continue to assemble AirPods and other items, have us build and operate retail stores, etc. in your country, right?
Okay then. I’m a busy man – have a nice day.
This is why I give MDN money every month.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate it. It keeps us going.
My first thought is anyone else think it would be funny to start a petition to make the pulled OOO ad into an Apple TV comedy series
https://www.change.org/decision-makers/apple-tv
this was not bad.
it showed the people as friendly, courteous, smart, with an industrious capability.
the buildings, the streets, the stuff is nothing without great people. they should be thanking apple for all the new business that could come their way. or you can look at it like this. this is what you get when you have a ceo that is buddy with a racist. stop linking apple with trump cook.
Your last words show how brainwashed you are! Beyond repair!
Sheep …
hey he gave trump a mac, why?
He is NOT brainwashed, he is just a stupid libturd
The stupid fsck can’t point to a single racist thing Trump said or did, yet the stupid fsck supports Biden, a proven racist:
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/biden-racial-jungle-quote/
Respect Matters…. Just look at the Vile Olympics!!!!
And how many of you are enjoying a much better retirement Thanks to Tim Cook!
Unwatchable trash. Not sure it needs an apology, only made it through the first 45 seconds or so. Tropic Thunder did it better.
Not MDN being offended at someone else taking offense.
Fuck off and touch grass, pussies.