Drew Brees recently starred in a commercial for a spread betting company. The company in question, PointsBet has Brees as an ambassador for them. The advert that was being filmed went viral and gathered the ire of multiple organizations and people.

The commercial had a shot that went viral. The shot was of the former-quarterback getting hit by lightning. This incited some backlash against Brees. The backlash was particularly from lightning survivors organizations. Furthermore, the advert also caught a lot of attention due to the genuine concern for Brees’ health and safety.

Drew Brees encounters backlash

Drew Brees was reportedly shooting an advert for PointsBet. In the advert, the quarterback appears to be hit by lightning. The footage went viral on social media. There were genuine concerns for Brees’ safety. However, the ex-football star made it clear that there was nothing to worry about in a joking manner. With this admission, he faced backlash. The first to comment were organizations that work to help survivors of lightning strikes. The advert drew the ire of organizations like the Lightning Strike and Electric Shock Survivors International (LSESSI).

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They mentioned that an advert that makes light of a serious issue makes a mockery of the people who actually have suffered due to lightning strikes. Furthermore, the organization issued a statement that said, “This is a deadly injury, and it is disappointing to see the continual ridicule of lightning and electrical injury survivors in comical light in which it is presented for commercial gain and profit.” 

LSESSI also spoke about the negative impact such advertisements will have on children and youngsters. Additionally, it believes that trivialization of such an important issue can become a source of trauma and is very disturbing for survivors to see. However, the ex-quarterback hasn’t released a statement about the backlash he is facing. There has only been communication about his safety and some humor from his official handles.

Brees’ and PointBet’s thoughts on the video

PointBets as well as Drew Brees haven’t yet issued a statement regarding the backlash. However, both entities reacted to the genuine concern that was voiced out by fans. Brees posted a picture on Twitter, assuring that he is completely safe and sound. In fact, he also joked about being hit by lightning.

Even PointBets issued statements saying that they were just having a little fun and that the quarterback was ”alive and well”. However, the members of the survivor organization found it very far from fun. The organization mentions that they found the actions extremely inappropriate and condemned the actions.

The question some ask after an incident such as this is how far can someone go in the name of advertising and fun to trivialize a serious issue?

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