LONDON - Diageo has demanded that YouTube remove a fake Guinness viral video spreading across the internet, in which a girl balances a bottle of the black stuff on her back during a group sex session.
The 60-second viral shows two different male hands taking the drink, which is precariously balanced on the small of the woman's back, before another woman reaches up and grabs it.
Drinks giant Diageo has ordered YouTube to take down the clip, but it can still be easily found on the video sharing website.
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The company issued a statement to Brand Republic which said: "Guinness is in no way associated with this video, and approached YouTube to have it removed. We are proud of our brands, and our commitment to responsible marketing, and this is not how we want our brand portrayed.
"We made this clear in a statement on the video's site as soon as it was drawn to our attention, the producer of the video also made it clear that the material was not associated with Guinness, and the original video has now been removed from YouTube."
However, YouTube members are encouraging others users to share the bogus ad in the knowledge that Diageo are demanding a clampdown on its distribution.
YouTube user Rupert Merdok posted the following comment alongside the video: "Diageo wants to distance from that great fake and instructed YouTube to remove it, but I think this video should live forever!!! Copy as many times as u can!!"
A YouTube member called Deschatz has taken responsibility for making the video, which he said was created "for fun". A recent post by Deschatz said: "Diageo PLC and YouTube have taken down the hoax ad I did for fun. So, folks, it's all over. No more good times for anyone."
This obviously works for Diageo as they are now guaranteed exposure through the media and the dissemination through Youtube. Im come right out and say it , I smell a rat.
@ Ross Bloomfield, there was no press release to begin with from Diageo - we approached them for a comment and they sent a two paragraph long statement so they didn't court the publicity, but I take your point, the ad is well-executed and looks professional. I think it shows how good some of the amateur directors on the internet are. If you type Deschatz into YouTube, you will see the director of the video has his own channel and the Guinness viral is one of many videos he has made. I've invited Deschatz to join this debate so maybe he will clear it up for us ...
Are you people crazy?! How is it a "win win" for Diageo?
Do you really think they want to be associated with group sex? Of course they don't, I'd imagine they are rightly fuming about the brand damage this will do.
I can't help but think Diageo have something to do with it!! and its very clever if they do!! Roger - I think the group sex is to grab attention - not a serving suggestion!
@ Roger you boring idiot, go home and bake some cakes. Nothing wrong with a little group sex. This is another example of why you (brands) aren't in control. Let it ride i say...
Any publicity is good publicity - the fact that Diageo have created such a fuss over this ad simply means more awareness and more hits/views by the prying public. I suppose they have to be seen to 'stand up for the brand', but are essentially rubbing their hands together at the prospect of some fab, free advertising.
Ed Boost makes a great point - this ad fully nails the target market.
Diageo - get with the times, and enjoy the ride (no pun intended...)
In the 90s didn't Guinness spend a fortune getting Tony Kaye and Ogilvy & Mather to shoot an ad featuring a gay kiss and then not run it?
The answer is yes
Guys - and you are all guys so far - you're playing up to ad industry stereotypes. Remember the article about sexism in last week's Campaign? Just 'cos something's a laugh doesn't make it right. The comments from women have disappeared from YouTube now but the ones I read earlier in the week were for the most part offended by the idea that women are there to be used as tables you can fu*k. So I hope Diageo weren't behind this. And I hope no one in our industry is trying to reduce the mentality of all men - as Ed Boost says above - to 'Men like Beer... men like the idea of group sex... not much more to be said other than win/win'. Please post your comments about "get a life/sense of humour/laid" etc, below...
Graham is it sexism? As while there might be some truth in what you say you are also putting women on a pedestal. I am sure some women were offended by the idea, hell I am sure some men are as well. The idea of group sex does nothing for me, so keep it in your trousers.
This ad is funny and it is clean. Sure a woman's back can be seen, but a woman's hand as well as a man's takes a drink. All seem equal participants. Besides, who wants to look at the hairy back of some bloke? thought not.
Deschatz has been in touch ... he's been reading everyone's comments and "enjoying the intelligent conversation" but is not going to join in the debate because of sensitive issues at his end. He did say, however, that he wasn't prepared for the controversy it has created and just wanted to see if he could actually do it so there you go!
I have just tried this with the girl and can confirm, unless you are approaching the vinegar strokes, it is impossible for a glass bottle to stay upright on a girls back during doggy-style sex. A can of red stripe half full works much better. also a Diageo brand by the way.
There's no way that Guinness/Diageo had anything to do with making this ad. Diageo are the leaders in responsible marketing of alcohol and the global repurcussions of making something like this would be immense. Diageo and all alcohol manufacturers are in an ongoing battle to be allowed to advertise their products at all in numerous countries and something like this could only harm their efforts to do so. The small (possible) benefit to their brand with a niche group of lads who enjoy this would be completely outweighed by the damage to their business as a hole
It didn't go through the Diageo marketing team DMC, that's for sure. However that's not to say that some bod at Guinness didn't fancy a whack at creating a good viral
Suspiciously well filmed as for a stunt of an amateur... not to mention it's chauvinistically mail ;) I love Guinness but not necessarily this way... o tempora1 o mores!
Comments
willy borrell - 31/07/2008
This obviously works for Diageo as they are now guaranteed exposure through the media and the dissemination through Youtube. Im come right out and say it , I smell a rat.
Mark Smith - 31/07/2008
Best ad I've seen for Guinness in years. Diageo should hire this guy.
Gellan Watt - 31/07/2008
Amazing the power of brands. It's a really fun viral, albeit too long. But it's a win/win situation for Diageo...
jezwaspsrule - 31/07/2008
Not another AMV stunt - yawn
Graeme Longstaff - 31/07/2008
my god i'm off to buy a crate of guiness and a bumper pack of nodders!
Gordon Macmillan - 31/07/2008
I'm amazed they managed to keep it on her back. Great job.
Ricky Harewood - 31/07/2008
Wicked Ad... this is definetly the best Guinness advert I' ve seen... gona watch it again...
Sarah Vernon - 31/07/2008
Suspiciously well done...
AwallafaShagba - 31/07/2008
B3ta loved it ! I for one will be buying a Guinness this weekend to celebrate
Ross Bloomfield - 31/07/2008
It's a win/win for Diageo. Wreaks of a stunt - Just wait for the next Press Release!!
Lorna - 31/07/2008
Genius ad!
Darren Davidson - 31/07/2008
@ Ross Bloomfield, there was no press release to begin with from Diageo - we approached them for a comment and they sent a two paragraph long statement so they didn't court the publicity, but I take your point, the ad is well-executed and looks professional. I think it shows how good some of the amateur directors on the internet are. If you type Deschatz into YouTube, you will see the director of the video has his own channel and the Guinness viral is one of many videos he has made. I've invited Deschatz to join this debate so maybe he will clear it up for us ...
Roger OThornhill - 31/07/2008
Are you people crazy?! How is it a "win win" for Diageo? Do you really think they want to be associated with group sex? Of course they don't, I'd imagine they are rightly fuming about the brand damage this will do.
Jenny - 31/07/2008
I can't help but think Diageo have something to do with it!! and its very clever if they do!! Roger - I think the group sex is to grab attention - not a serving suggestion!
Jason Brown - 31/07/2008
Yeah, they will be gutted the brand looks up to date, modern, young and fun.
Sean Willaker - 31/07/2008
@ Roger you boring idiot, go home and bake some cakes. Nothing wrong with a little group sex. This is another example of why you (brands) aren't in control. Let it ride i say...
ed boost - 31/07/2008
Men like Beer... men like the idea of group sex... not much more to be said other than win/win, oh and the ad could have done with a bit more flesh
Greg Smith - 31/07/2008
Any publicity is good publicity - the fact that Diageo have created such a fuss over this ad simply means more awareness and more hits/views by the prying public. I suppose they have to be seen to 'stand up for the brand', but are essentially rubbing their hands together at the prospect of some fab, free advertising. Ed Boost makes a great point - this ad fully nails the target market. Diageo - get with the times, and enjoy the ride (no pun intended...)
Greg Smith - 31/07/2008
Oh yeah - Roger, come on mate 'brand damage' to a product/brand like Guinness... Don't think so. The Irish Blackwater lives on the edge.
ryan mcl - 31/07/2008
ha ha classic! will do no harm at all
Jeremy Lee - 31/07/2008
In the 90s didn't Guinness spend a fortune getting Tony Kaye and Ogilvy & Mather to shoot an ad featuring a gay kiss and then not run it? The answer is yes
Graham Pugh - 31/07/2008
Guys - and you are all guys so far - you're playing up to ad industry stereotypes. Remember the article about sexism in last week's Campaign? Just 'cos something's a laugh doesn't make it right. The comments from women have disappeared from YouTube now but the ones I read earlier in the week were for the most part offended by the idea that women are there to be used as tables you can fu*k. So I hope Diageo weren't behind this. And I hope no one in our industry is trying to reduce the mentality of all men - as Ed Boost says above - to 'Men like Beer... men like the idea of group sex... not much more to be said other than win/win'. Please post your comments about "get a life/sense of humour/laid" etc, below...
Dominic Moira - 31/07/2008
tables you can fuck - genius
James Walters - 31/07/2008
Graham is it sexism? As while there might be some truth in what you say you are also putting women on a pedestal. I am sure some women were offended by the idea, hell I am sure some men are as well. The idea of group sex does nothing for me, so keep it in your trousers.
This ad is funny and it is clean. Sure a woman's back can be seen, but a woman's hand as well as a man's takes a drink. All seem equal participants. Besides, who wants to look at the hairy back of some bloke? thought not.
jezwaspsrule - 31/07/2008
You're wrong James - women don't make very good pedestals - they're far better as tables
dave scarletsrule - 31/07/2008
I wonder if Ron Jeremy was involved?
Darren Davidson - 31/07/2008
Deschatz has been in touch ... he's been reading everyone's comments and "enjoying the intelligent conversation" but is not going to join in the debate because of sensitive issues at his end. He did say, however, that he wasn't prepared for the controversy it has created and just wanted to see if he could actually do it so there you go!
jezwaspsrule - 31/07/2008
'Sensitive issues at his end'? Sounds like Ron Jeremy might have been involved
dave scarletsrule - 31/07/2008
i wouldn't be surprised...he's mean
Greg Smith - 31/07/2008
Graham - are you a feminist?
And, can you do me a huge favour and provide me with the name/web address of this place where I can get my hands on one of these 'special tables'?
Thanks, :)
Mr Cheese - 31/07/2008
i want a 3some, fuck the guinness
dave scarletsrule - 31/07/2008
it's sad to think that a flash of skin and some silky camera work has had that effect on you. I pity you...loser
jezwaspsrule - 31/07/2008
I want to share three pints of Guinness with a feminist
jezwaspsrule - 31/07/2008
.....while talking about tables
dano - 31/07/2008
I have just tried this with the girl and can confirm, unless you are approaching the vinegar strokes, it is impossible for a glass bottle to stay upright on a girls back during doggy-style sex. A can of red stripe half full works much better. also a Diageo brand by the way.
Thierry Halbroth - 01/08/2008
Remixes won't be that long to come....
Dan Plant - 01/08/2008
There's no way that Guinness/Diageo had anything to do with making this ad. Diageo are the leaders in responsible marketing of alcohol and the global repurcussions of making something like this would be immense. Diageo and all alcohol manufacturers are in an ongoing battle to be allowed to advertise their products at all in numerous countries and something like this could only harm their efforts to do so. The small (possible) benefit to their brand with a niche group of lads who enjoy this would be completely outweighed by the damage to their business as a hole
Dan Plant - 01/08/2008
"whole" even :) oops - that's a bit freudian isn't it.
Dan Hosford - 01/08/2008
It didn't go through the Diageo marketing team DMC, that's for sure. However that's not to say that some bod at Guinness didn't fancy a whack at creating a good viral
Neimad - 03/08/2008
cheeserama, its just a really bad joke, its like yeah... funny... not.
Mirek Polyniak - 04/08/2008
Suspiciously well filmed as for a stunt of an amateur... not to mention it's chauvinistically mail ;) I love Guinness but not necessarily this way... o tempora1 o mores!