FabFitFun Uses Controversial Promo Code Echoing Elon Musk's Statement
FabFitFun is facing criticism from some of its customers after using a crude promo code in an advertisement. The promo code, which we will refer to as GFY, echoed a recent statement made by Elon Musk. One Reddit commenter expressed their disappointment, stating, "I've never known a company and its owners to show so much public contempt for their customers."
Ad on Elon Musk's X Platform Draws Backlash from FabFitFun Customers
FabFitFun, a subscription box company targeted at women, is receiving backlash from its customers over an advertisement it ran on Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter. The ad mirrored a statement made by Elon Musk in a recent interview, where he told advertisers who would abandon X to "go fuck" themselves.
The FabFitFun ad, which was a paid promotion on X, pledged an additional $100,000 in advertising on the platform to support free speech ideals. It also offered new customers a free gift if they signed up using the promo code "GoFuckYourself."
However, many customers did not find the ad amusing. In response, some customers expressed their intention to cancel their subscriptions. Business Insider reached out to FabFitFun for comment, but the company did not respond.
Customers Express Disappointment and Cancel Subscriptions
Sophie Smith-Doré, a food relationship and nutrition coach from Ontario, Canada, had been a FabFitFun subscriber for about four years. She was generally satisfied with her boxes, considering them a small treat for herself. However, after seeing the ad, she made the decision to cancel her subscription.
Smith-Doré explained, "That ad is promoting a platform that actively and intentionally creates unsafe spaces for marginalized people. I am a mother to a trans teen. This is not a game for me. This is very real."
Amanda Andres, another customer, tweeted her cancellation to the FabFitFun X account. She had been a subscriber since 2020 but decided to end her subscription after seeing the ad. Andres shared her confusion, stating, "I was confused why a 'women's lifestyle brand' was getting involved in the Musk controversy."
On Reddit, a post discussing the ad garnered over 400 comments, with the majority of respondents indicating their plans to cancel. One Redditor expressed their disappointment, saying, "I've never known a company and its owners to show so much public contempt for their customers who are literally paying their wages." Another user highlighted the freedom of speech, stating, "Yay free speech! The freedom to contact customer service and cancel, and if they don't cooperate, you can freely speak to the bank and initiate a dispute <3."
Some customers were unsure if the ad was genuine and sought clarification on FabFitFun's community forum. Initially, a FabFitFun employee on the forum expressed doubt about the promo code, stating that it didn't seem like something the company would release. However, the employee later confirmed its authenticity but mentioned that the company had removed it.
FabFitFun Founders Apologize for Controversial Ad
Following the backlash, FabFitFun's founders posted a message on the members forum, apologizing for the "poorly thought out" code. The message acknowledged the mistake and took responsibility for the ad, stating that it was an attempt to participate in a viral moment through a marketing test. The founders emphasized that the ad's content and tone were out of place and not representative of the brand's values.
The founders expressed their commitment to doing better and expressed gratitude for the feedback received from members, partners, and employees.
About FabFitFun and Elon Musk's X
FabFitFun was founded in 2010 by Daniel and Michael Broukhim, along with editor-in-chief Katie Ann Echevarria Rosen Kitchens. The company caters to millennial women and delivers quarterly boxes containing skincare, beauty, and other items.
Elon Musk's X has experienced a decline in traditional advertisers since Musk took over the platform. After Linda Yaccarino became CEO, she managed to win back some advertisers. However, a recent report by Media Matters claimed that ads were being displayed alongside extremist content on X, which X has disputed.
Musk's tweet endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory resulted in companies like Disney and Apple pulling their ads from X. Musk responded by telling these companies to go "G-F-Y!"
Original article on Business Insider
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By: knotopoulos@businessinsider.com (Katie Notopoulos)
Title: FabFitFun Faces Backlash Over Controversial Ad on Elon Musk’s X
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/fabfitfun-customers-revolt-crude-promo-code-elon-musk-x-twitter-2023-12
Published Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 22:47:01 +0000
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