Ever been in the shoes of a luxury car brand with a multi-million-dollar campaign? Imagine, in the midst of celebrating 60 years of engineering excellence, your promotional video inadvertently erases an iconic religious statue overlooking a historic city. Porsche’s recent advertisement blunder has left the online community both perplexed and amused. This unusual mishap took the internet by storm and left Porsche doing some damage control.
A drive through Portugal’s splendor
Picture this: the scenic landscapes of Portugal, vintage and modern Porsche 911 models gliding past the country’s iconic landmarks. From the legendary Christo Rei statue to the picturesque Targus River dividing the Portuguese cities of Almada and Lisbon The promotional ad aimed to encapsulate the essence of the Porsche luxury car brand while traversing through Portugal’s natural beauty.
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The ad unfolds like any other until a peculiar incident occurs. At the 44-second mark, as the Porsche 911 cruises against the backdrop of Lisbon’s de Abril Bridge, the towering Cristo Rei statue, an emblem of Portuguese history, is nowhere to be found. The unexpected absence of the 92-foot-tall statue sparked a flurry of responses from eagle-eyed viewers across social media platforms.
The outcry on social media
In the age of instant communication, the internet wasted no time in highlighting the ad’s curious omission. Viewers quickly pointed out the absence of the iconic statue, triggering both bemusement and outrage. Platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter, buzzed with discussions about the oversight.
One user posted the image from the video and the YouTube link to the original video, which has been deleted now.
Hey, @Porsche , why did you erase the statue of Jesus Christ from your video filmed in Lisbon? pic.twitter.com/VxcfUBrN8D
— Alex B. (@maisumcarneiro) August 5, 2023
Many users tweeted that Porsche hates Jesus
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Porsche’s response and damage control
In the wake of the uproar, Porsche acted swiftly. Acknowledging the mistake, the company issued an apology and replaced the flawed video with a corrected version.
“We sincerely apologize for the oversight in an earlier version of our film. The Cristo Rei statue is an integral part of Portugal’s heritage, and we deeply regret any distress caused,” Porsche’s statement resonated.
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Porsche has now released a new version of the ad with the disclaimer: A message to our community: in a previously-uploaded version of the 911 S/T launch film, a landmark was removed. This was a mistake, and we apologise for any offence caused. Your comments on this video were appreciated.
The Christo Rei statue, arms outstretched much like the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, is more than just a visual masterpiece. Completed in 1959, the monument holds a deeper historical significance: it stands as a symbol of Portugal’s gratitude for remaining unscathed during World War II, attributed to the nation’s neutrality during the conflict.
The mishap, albeit unintentional, demonstrated the interconnectedness of cultural symbols and their role in representing a nation’s history. As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, it’s a reminder that even the most meticulously planned campaigns can falter when missing the mark by a mere oversight.
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As you contemplate this intriguing incident, consider how you would handle a similar situation if you were at the helm of a high-stakes sports car advertising campaign. How can we ensure that the essence of cultural landmarks remains intact in the midst of celebration? Share your thoughts below!