SoBe Bottle Cap: Company Apologizes For Joke About ‘Trapped’ Worker
Every time someone cracks open a SoBe beverage, there is usually a funny joke underneath the bottle cap. But the beverage company recently encountered some controversy with one of its messages and has now apologized for it.
According to ABC News, some customers were surprised to find a message underneath their SoBe cap that read, “Help me trapped in SoBe factory.” One consumer took to SoBe’s Facebook page to complain about the message on the bottle cap, saying the comment is offensive toward a certain group of people.
“It’s tasteless and mocks people who actually do work in slave like conditions… major mistake.”
Others had posted images of the bottle cap on Twitter, bewildered that the company would print that message.
My friend found this message asking for help on a #SoBe bottle cap. @SoBe what are you doing? #crazy pic.twitter.com/5nnJyLn34b
— Amanda Velez (@_AVnation) June 19, 2015
Mm not sure why the Sobe life water lid would say this #ballet#messageinabottlepic.twitter.com/I2Sk6PlIbf
— Sydney M Dolan-Neble (@DreamAchieve06) January 19, 2015
With the growing concern about the possibility of someone actually being “trapped” inside the SoBe factory, the company noted in a Facebook comment to numerous consumers that they have plans to get rid of the bottle cap. However, since so many were printed, it may take some time before the controversial bottle cap completely disappears.
“These sayings are intended to give our consumers a little smile or pause for thought, not offense, while they enjoy their favorite SoBe beverage. We are planning on removing this cap slogan from our current rotation, however, it will take a while for existing stock to run through the market.”
While there are many who have expressed concern for a SoBe worker who may actually be trapped, there are others who found the humor in it. One Facebook user said the company should not have to remove the bottle cap message because of the complaints they’ve received.
“Sobe, I have always enjoyed your products and I think the bottle cap messages are funny and enjoyable. Unfortunately, you produce a product in a country where a lot of [people] are self righteous, easily offended, and look for something to complain about 24/7. You guys shouldn’t have to do damage control for this, but I know you’re trying to appease the mass of customers.”
The company said this message was submitted via its “Message in a Bottle” contest in 2013, according to ABC News. A spokeswoman for SoBe said the company is uncertain who submitted the message.
Do you think the joke was in poor taste?
[Image via Twitter]
