“We didn’t mean any offence by it and have learned our lesson.”
Plenty of Irish people were perplexed after receiving a letter from Virgin Media this week through their mailbox.
In a break from the norm, the focus of the confusion wasn’t on the size of the bill or any other charges, but rather the name that’s stated on the letter itself.
Rather than use the designated householder name, the letter was addressed to ‘The Pants Wearer.’
Virgin Media has apologised “to anyone offended” by the campaign which is a part of its marketing push to promote its new ‘naked broadband’ deal.
Sinn Fein councillor Chris O’Leary was just one of the many people that was perplexed by the campaign. The councillor for Cork felt that the message had sexist overtones and sought answers via Twitter.
Hi Brian, Fun at who ! Why would you push it a bit far ! Is it a sexiest joke ! What was the Marketing objective/rationale.The problem with having a bit of fun especially uninvited is that it's targeted at other peoples expense. @BusinessCork
— Cristóir O'Laoire (@chrisjoleary) July 16, 2018
A spokesperson for Virgin Media Ireland said: “People who received the communications took it in the spirit and humour it was meant to be delivered, but we apologise to anyone who was offended by what was sent out. The reference to ‘pants wearer’ was not intended to single out anyone or group.”
This being said, plenty of people were extremely curious about this campaign after receiving the letter through their post box.
Hey Eric, thanks for getting in touch. We were trying to shake up the normal hum-drum 'homeowner' title but we shook a little too much it seems, we really didn't intend to cause any offence. We've let our marketing team know your thoughts and feedback too. Thanks again. ^Paddy
— Virgin Media Ireland (@VirginMediaIE) July 17, 2018
Hey there! We had tried to shake things up from the normal 'homeowner' title but it would seem we shook a little too much. :/ We didn't mean any offence by it and have learned our lesson! I'll make sure to pass your feedback to our marketing team too. Thanks a mil! ^Paddy
— Virgin Media Ireland (@VirginMediaIE) July 17, 2018
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