2013: KFC

KFC: Don’t ‘Chicken-out’ on Domestic Violence!

VICTORY! On August 26, Kentucky Fried Chicken removed the Slap-Ad from its website. We acknowledge KFC’s decision to remove the offensive commercial. We also request that KFC issue a statement expressing remorse for producing the ads, and make a financial contribution to an organization working to assure all victims of domestic violence get the protection and help they need.

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Men are more likely than women to be victims of domestic violence (1). And research shows a woman’s initiation of partner violence is the leading cause of female domestic violence injury (2).

But sadly, some persons think domestic violence against men is funny.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is currently running ads to promote its new Hot Shot Bites. The spots feature a woman violently slapping a man. The 30-second commercial can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRH9NBcd33k .

In response to a request to discontinue the ads, KFC provided this answer: “KFC’s Hot Shot Bites commercial is intended humorously to communicate that the hot and spicy flavor of the product is ‘like a slap to your taste buds,'” and is supposed to be a kind of “tongue-in-cheek humor” (3).

Yes, that’s what they said! We’re amazed KFC would even consider running these ads, and then claim that it’s all intended to be in good humor!

ACTION ITEM #1: Send this message to John Cywinski: “Don’t ‘chicken-out’ on domestic violence. Stop your abuse-promoting ‘slap’ ads:”

– Email: johncywinski@yumyum.com

– Phone: 800-225-5532,extension 1, 1, then 4

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KFC

– Sign the petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/kentucky-fried-chicken-stop-making-light-of-domestic-violence

ACTION ITEM #2:

Go to Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in your area. Politely ask to meet with the store manager. Ask if the manager has seen the new KFC advertisement for Hot Shot Bites. If so, what does the manager think about the woman slapping the man? Then, what would the manager think if the roles were reversed — the man was slapping the woman? Ask the manager to contact the KFC headquarters about the obvious double-standard, and how this ad is likely to offend millions of potential customers. Then thank the manager for their time. Take a photograph of the restaurant on your smartphone and email to info@saveservices.org.

Flyer to hand out:

EDITORIALS:

KFC PROTEST GOES INTERNATIONAL:

References:

1. Partner Abuse State of Knowledge (PASK) project: http://domesticviolenceresearch.org/

2. Stith S, Smith DB, Penn CE, et al. Intimate partner physical abuse perpetration and victimization risk factors: A meta-analytic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior Vol. 10, 2004. pp. 65-98.

3. KFC’s complete response can be seen on our Victim and Survivor Facebook page under the August 9 post titled, “This afternoon, TELL KFC WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THEIR SLAP ADS:” https://www.facebook.com/SaveForVictimsAndSurvivors