Cleveland Cavaliers Apologize For Failed ‘Humorous Spoof’
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly issued an official apology in reference to their controversial commercial that mocked domestic violence.
Posted on the NBA website, the apology addresses the team’s original intention for the video as well as the reason why it clearly went too far.
“During a timeout at last night’s Cavaliers vs. Bulls playoff game at The Q in Cleveland, we ran a 1-minute in-arena video that was intended to be a humorous spoof on a popular commercial centered on a song and dance from the classic movie ‘Dirty Dancing.’ While the video was not intended to be offensive, it was a mistake to include content that made light of domestic violence.”
The Cavaliers organization next addressed their views on domestic violence, the fact that it does not belong in any type of parody, and an admission of their mistake for doing so.
“Domestic violence is a very serious matter and has no place in a parody video that plays in an entertainment venue. We sincerely apologize to those who have been affected by domestic violence for the obvious negative feelings caused by being exposed to this insensitive video.”
To conclude the apologetic statement in reference to the “All In” commercial, the Cleveland Cavaliers focused on their longtime support of domestic violence-related efforts and causes.
“The Cavaliers organization has a strong and lengthy track record of supporting domestic violence-related causes and efforts. We will continue to proudly work with our regional partners at the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center in support of their numerous programs to end domestic violence in our country once and for all.”
Since the controversial commercial first aired during Wednesday’s night playoff match between the Cavaliers and the Bulls, quite a few people have expressed their negative reactions and responses to it on Twitter.
Um… seriously @cavs? You think it’s a good idea to promote your team with a video of domestic violence? http://t.co/2s9UdRnTwE
— Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) May 7, 2015
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the intended “humorous spoof” was supposed to parody a popular United Healthcare commercial.
In the United Healthcare commercial, the woman is accidentally dropped. She surprised her unsuspecting husband with the iconic lift from the final dance sequence of the hit movie, Dirty Dancing. As she did it, the man is heard saying, “Wait!” and they both crashed into the dining table together.
On the contrary, the man in the “All In” ad lifted the woman and intentionally threw her down to the floor simply because she was a fan of the Chicago Bulls instead of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the next clip after she was thrown to the ground, she is wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers shirt and tells her significant other that she was then “all in” along with him as a Cavs fan.
What do you think about the apology issued by the Cleveland Cavaliers?
[Image Credit: Rolling Stone]
