Carl's Jr. Says This Provocative 'Border Ball' Ad Is About Sexy Women, Not Immigration

Carl's Jr. likes being provocative, but not in the realm of politics. That's the message from parent company CKE Restaurants, which has gone on the record to deny claims that its latest ad with scantily clad women, "Border Ball," plays off the current national debate over immigration. The spot, from 72andSunny, broke Sept. 28. It features Texan model Elle Evans (previously seen also being scantily clad in Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" video) and Mexico City cover model Alejandra Guilmant. The ad sells the new Tex Mex Thickburger, which is apparently equal parts Tex and Mex. So, the commercial shows two women's beach volleyball teams—one from Texas, one from Mexico—trying to settle things with a game on the border. Innocuous enough, if gratuitous in the classic Carl's Jr. style, right? Except another of the models in the spot raised eyebrows with this statement to FOX411: "I don't think it goes too far. I think it's really sexy, and I think it's playing up on what's going on politically right now with immigration. I think it was a bold move for Carl's Jr." Whoa there, Carl's Jr. replied. A CKE rep quickly told Fox: "Our new ad for the Tex Mex Bacon Thickburger is not a political statement. It is simply a fast-food ad, and, like all of our ads, the premise helps to paint a picture about the food. If a connection was made between the ad and politics—it was certainly not our intent." The rep added that the ad was simply in keeping with the chain's years-old marketing strategy of using nearly naked models and celebrities to sell sandwiches. It's a bit of an ignominious development for an ad that 72andSunny seemed to be quite proud of. As the agency told us last week, the new spot was inspired by actual volleyball games that are played across the U.S.-Mexico border. CREDITS Brand: CKE Project: Tex Mex Bacon Thickburger - "Borderball" Overview: When Tex meets Mex, it's a win win. Client: CKE Chief Executive Officer: Andy Puzder Chief Marketing Officer: Brad Haley Senior Vice President, Product Marketing: Bruce Frazer Vice President, Field Marketing, Media, Merchandising: Steve Lemley Director of Advertising: Brandon LaChance Director of Product Marketing, Merchandising: Christie Cooney Product Marketing Manager: Allison Pocino Public Relations Specialist: Claire Eastburn Public Relations Team: Coast PR President: Jeanne Hoffa Director: Kate Franklin Agency: 72andSunny Chief Creative Officer: Glenn Cole Group Creative Directors: Justin Hooper, Mick DiMaria Creative Director, Designer: Tim Wettstein Creative Director, Writer: Mark Maziarz Senior Designer: Gabo Curielcha Senior Writer: Chad Goodnoe Group Strategy Director: Matt Johnson Strategy Director: Kasia Molenda Strategist: Eddie Moraga Group Brand Director: Alexis Coller Senior Brand Manager: Michal David Brand Manager: Ali Arnold Brand Coordinator: Kristyn Kazanjian Director of Film Production: Sam Baerwald Executive Film Producer: Molly McFarland Senior Film Producer: Juliet Diamond Film Production Coordinator: Taylor Stockwell Director of Business Affairs: Michelle Mckinney Business Affairs Director: Amy Jacobsen Business Affairs Manager: Jennifer Jahinian Business Affairs Coordinator: Taylor Henriquez Director of Communications: Jeff Sweat Communications Managers: Ginny Adams, Nicole Ryan Production Company: Wondros Director: Chris Applebaum Chief Creative Officer: Anne-Marie Mackay Executive Producer: Timory King Head of Production: Doron Kauper Producer: John Hardin Editing: Jump LA Editor: Fred Fouquet Executive Producer: Betsy Beale Visual Effects: JAMM Visual Telecine: Beach House Colorist: Mike Pethel Executive Producer: Denise Brown Audio, Sound Design: On Music and Sound Mixer, Sound Designer: Chris Winston Music Company: Extreme Music

AdFreak

Carl's Jr. Says This Provocative 'Border Ball' Ad Is About Sexy Women, Not Immigration

One of its stars disagrees

Tim Nudd

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Tim Nudd