It was a so-so year for Super Bowl ads, but one spot is causing some online blowback from vegans. Even the animal-rights organization PETA is speaking out.
In the Hyundai commercial titled “The Elevator,” Jason Bateman guides car shoppers through levels of unpleasant destinations like the middle seat of a six hour flight and jury duty on the way to a tacky car dealership. (Don’t worry, the couple has the “Hyundai Shopper Assurance” app or something.)
But, below getting a root canal and being forced to have “the talk” with dad, is a vegan dinner party. One of the unfortunate guests is seen dry-heaving when being offered a “beetloaf.”
Unsurprisingly, vegan viewers didn’t enjoy being the butt of the joke.
ICYMI: The trend of 2019 is taking the elevator UP to vegan dinner parties (and an Earth, heart, & animal-friendly lifestyle). Instead of buying a car from people with outdated ideas, we suggest a vegan Smartcar by Mercedes. Great mileage & acceleration, turns on a dime.
— PETA (@peta) January 31, 2019
The less than subtle vegan shaming in the Hyundai Super Bowl ad? Wow.
— George Hahn (@georgehahn) February 4, 2019
Hyundai’s social media team tried to stop the blowback by responding to critics on Twitter, but the damage was already done.
Nothing wrong with being vegan. That guy just doesn't like beetloaf. We're really lucky to have you in the Hyundai family.
— Hyundai USA (@Hyundai) February 4, 2019
We actually love vegan food and are glad it's going more mainstream. pic.twitter.com/pZJqRfmhXY
— Hyundai USA (@Hyundai) February 4, 2019
