Comedy Central ad isn’t about Mel Gibson

Be among trailblazing marketing pros at Brandweek this September 23–26 in Phoenix, Arizona. Experience incredible networking, insightful sessions and a boost of inspiration at ADWEEK’s ultimate brand event. Register by May 13 to save 35%.

Judging by the headline, this Comedy Central ad, placed in Variety this week, would seem to reference the whole Mel Gibson fiasco. But as Defamer points out, it’s just a coincidence. The ad was approved weeks before Gibson’s arrest, and concerns a whole different religious brewhaha in Hollywood. Comedy Central placed it to congratulate South Park on getting an Emmy nomination for its Scientology-themed “Trapped in the Closet” episode—an episode whose reruns Tom Cruise (who was making a movie for Viacom) reportedly had yanked from the Comedy Central schedule in March.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in