Wayfair, the popular online retailer for home goods, has a history of creating memorable television commercials. One particular ad, titled "Holidays: The Wayborhood," sparked both amusement and controversy, largely due to its star power and perceived suggestive content. Featuring Kelly Clarkson and Peter Billingsley, the commercial aimed to capture the spirit of a festive Christmas party with a gift swap.
The "Wayborhood" Holiday Gathering
The commercial depicts Kelly Clarkson hosting a Christmas party at her home. The scene showcases a lively gift swap among friends and family. One notable moment involves a couple with a baby admiring a toy kitchen. They express that it's their "dream kitchen," leading to a humorous suggestion that they might have purchased it for themselves. Kelly playfully responds that people are welcome to take whichever gift they truly love.
The humor in the ad is further amplified when it's Kelly's turn to select a gift. She picks a large, attention-grabbing lamp shaped like a leg adorned with fishnet tights and a high heel. This unexpected and quirky item adds to the lighthearted and somewhat absurd tone of the commercial.
The Controversy
While the ad aimed for humor and memorability, it wasn't universally well-received. The organization One Million Moms, known for its advocacy regarding family-friendly content, reported receiving numerous complaints about the "Wayborhood" commercial.
The primary concern raised by One Million Moms and its supporters centered on a perceived profane insinuation in the ad's slogan, "Every Style." The specific context that triggered the controversy was Kelly Clarkson's reaction to the leg lamp gift. According to the complaints, the slogan, in conjunction with Clarkson's seemingly unimpressed reaction, implied profanity.
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One Million Moms argued that the use of "foul language (or implication of it)" was unnecessary and inappropriate for an advertisement, especially one airing during the holiday season. They further criticized Wayfair for what they perceived as a deliberate choice to produce a controversial ad rather than a wholesome one.
The organization expressed concern about the potential impact of such content on children, arguing that "Wayfair executives do not care about what children hear - despite how damaging and destructive such ads are to our children." The concern stemmed from the belief that children often repeat what they hear, potentially exposing them to inappropriate language or insinuations.
Wayfair's Advertising Strategy
The controversy surrounding the "Wayborhood" ad raises questions about Wayfair's overall advertising strategy. While some viewers found the commercial humorous and entertaining, others considered it offensive or inappropriate. The ad's use of celebrity endorsements, particularly Kelly Clarkson, was clearly intended to attract attention and boost brand recognition. However, the inclusion of potentially suggestive content risked alienating some consumers.
Wayfair's decision to feature a quirky and unusual item like the leg lamp also contributed to the ad's divisive nature. While some viewers appreciated the humor and absurdity, others found it distasteful or irrelevant to the holiday season.
The company's apparent willingness to court controversy suggests a deliberate attempt to create memorable and buzzworthy advertisements. This strategy can be effective in generating media coverage and sparking conversations about the brand. However, it also carries the risk of alienating potential customers and damaging the company's reputation.
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tags: #old #wayfair #commercials #kelly #clarkson