DDB Brazil's 9/11 Ad: A World of Trouble

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

Thanks to the healthcare debate, it’s been a summer of outrage, with kooks coming out of the woodwork to issue dumb, mean-spirited attacks. I don’t want to further inflame any delicate sensibilities, but we now have a corollary batshit-crazy situation in the ad industry: the scandal involving DDB Brazil’s tasteless (yet award-winning) 9/11-themed print ad for the World Wildlife Fund.

The level of mega-stupidity the entire scenario has achieved, and the embarrassing and tortured apologies and backpedalling by agency and client, created a vortex that could swallow up half the Earth.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in