Release of Unapproved Ads Get Saatchi Fired

dr_martins_cobain.jpg

The ongoing uproar over the Saatchi and Saatchi London-created ads for Dr. Martens which showed various rock artists sitting in heaven wearing the brand's steel toed boots has resulted in Dr. Martens parent company AirWair Ltd. firing Saatchi. The ads, which Saatchi claims Dr. Martens approved to run once in the UK's Fact Magazine caused a bit of controversy and complaint. Dr. Martens claims the images in the ads were not approved stating the work is "counter to our current marketing activities based on FREEDM, which is dedicated to nurturing grass roots creativity and supporting emerging talent."

Saatchi says it stands by the work, feels it is not offensive, promises to investigate why the ads were released beyond their intended destination and to "consider the ongoing employment" of the person who may have released the ads to the public. Oh my how things escalate.

UPDATE: Potions of this item have been changed to reflect corrections received from Saatchi & Saatchi UK and Dr. Martens.

Written by Steve Hall    Comments (7)     File: Agencies, Brands, Policy     May-24-07  
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Comments

This screams FAKE!

Do you really believe Saatchi in their response actually spelled Kurt Cobain name wrong?!?

Posted by: Brian H on May 24, 2007 04:23 PM

Haha. Scam is found out!

Ran ONCE?? Right...that is officially called scam. Typical.

Score one for creative ethics.

Posted by: dansko on May 25, 2007 12:53 AM

In case you're interested here is the Martens campaign.

Posted by: ads of the world | advertising archive on May 25, 2007 01:53 AM

It is not unusual for companies to approve an ad concept and once the ad creates a headache of sorts, to fire the ad agency. It is lame, but it is a reality.

FYI, I have never worked for an ad agency.

Posted by: Herbert on May 25, 2007 07:49 AM

Does anyone here feel as if they're coming down with an infection? A small viral infection? Achoo!

Posted by: Kurre on May 25, 2007 09:07 AM

Please. If it ran without the client's approval, it says more about the client than it does about Saatchi. This is either a scam or Saatchi is being thrown under the bus. Either way it's lame.

Posted by: Kevin Dugan on May 25, 2007 09:15 AM

The wordsandpictures take:
http://www.wordsandpicturesonline.com/05-28-07.html

Posted by: Jamie Lirette on May 28, 2007 11:01 AM

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