Reality TV
Store pulls adverts after US Big Brother row
Published Wednesday, Feb 27 2008, 07:00 GMT | By Beth Hilton
Home improvement store Lowe's has pulled its commercials from the US version of Big Brother following a controversial remark from a contestant.
Adam Jasinski referred to people with autism as "retards" on the CBS show, prompting advocacy group Autism United to demand an apology from the network.
The 29-year-old was criticised by fellow houseguest Sheila for the slur, but replied: "Disabled kids. I can call them whatever I want. I work with them all day, okay?"
It was later confirmed that he works for the United Autism Foundation of Florida.
CBS agreed that the statement was "offensive" but said it was "countered by the immediate reaction of shock and condemnation" from Sheila.
However, Lowe's bosses opted to pull their commercials in the wake of the row, saying: "We decided not to advertise on [Big Brother] further."
Autism United’s executive director John Gilmer said he approved of the move, telling Advertising Age: "Lowe's is doing the responsible thing."
Adam Jasinski referred to people with autism as "retards" on the CBS show, prompting advocacy group Autism United to demand an apology from the network.
The 29-year-old was criticised by fellow houseguest Sheila for the slur, but replied: "Disabled kids. I can call them whatever I want. I work with them all day, okay?"
It was later confirmed that he works for the United Autism Foundation of Florida.
CBS agreed that the statement was "offensive" but said it was "countered by the immediate reaction of shock and condemnation" from Sheila.
However, Lowe's bosses opted to pull their commercials in the wake of the row, saying: "We decided not to advertise on [Big Brother] further."
Autism United’s executive director John Gilmer said he approved of the move, telling Advertising Age: "Lowe's is doing the responsible thing."
More: Reality TV, Big Brother
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