Pepsi withdraws scoring iPhone app

by Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh, revolutionmagazine.com 23-Oct-09, 13:54

LONDON - Pepsi has finally bowed to consumer pressure, pulling its controversial Amp Up before You Score app over a week after it hit headlines.

The app to promote the drink giant's Amp energy drink provided men with a crib sheet for chatting up different types of women and encouraged them to boast about scoring with women.

Girls were divided into 24 categories, including, rebound girl, sorority girl, tree hugger, married, twins and princess. Flicking through the data, men were given background information on what the girls' interests are likely to be and a range of chat-up lines that are likely to work, so he will "know what makes her tick before you open your mouth, so she'll like what she hears when you do."

Since its release the app attracted hundreds of comments and sparked heated debate on ranging from threats of boycott to virtual ‘high fives'. Pepsi responded to the uproar by posting an apology on Twitter, using the hashtag #pepsifail.

"Our app tried 2 show the humorous lengths guys go 2 pick up women. We apologize if it's in bad taste & appreciate your feedback," Pepsi tweeted.

Pepsi has now pulled the app from Apple, claiming it was the "most appropriate course of action" after consumer backlash.

"We've listened to a variety of audiences and determined this was the most appropriate course of action," said a Pepsi spokesman.