Now shit happens, that we know but at times it happens from events you least expect it to especially for a launch of home appliances like fridges, it is not OK for limos either.
Samsung South Africa at its annual Africa Forum in Cape Town made this blunder.
The electronics firm hired semi-nude models to unveil their new line of fridges ( we can imagine parents and their kids watching the launch on TV).
The economically dressed models were definitely following orders as they came on stage displaying their flesh at such a public event and before media. Then as if to add emphasis another line-up of skimpy dressed dancers came on stage.
Brainstorm editor and veteran IT journalist Samantha Perry in an open letter to Samsung lamented:“It would be entirely too much to ask that when you planned your recent Africa Forum you considered NOT using scantily clad beauties to help launch your (wait for it) new fridge. I mean let’s face it, most of your target market for that sort of product is female. And women are totally into that, oh, no, actually, that’s not us, that’s 13-year old boys.”
But we are all human, so is the guy behind this launch and the dancers and models.
The firm however, would like to pass its sincere regrets to you and me, its clients.
Samsung South Africa wrote: “It has come to our attention that, following recent Samsung events, there was dissatisfaction by the selected promotional/entertainment ladies to unveil and demonstrate the new line up of product/s. Samsung South Africa are committed to embracing a variety of consumers across our very diverse local market and in no way intended to isolate or offend any one of these audiences through these events.”
The company promises to be more sensitive and will next time work with its headquarters and regional offices and may help launch bikinis and vodka.
