Posted on 09/09/2016 11:17:31 AM PDT by nickcarraway
A Texas mattress company released an ad to promote a special 9/11 sale, but it quickly took an offensive turn when the employees imitated the World Trade Center Twin Towers falling.
Miracle Mattress posted the ad on Facebook for its “Twin Towers Sale” on Sept. 11, The Dallas Morning News reported. In the video, which has since been deleted, Miracle Mattress manager Cherise Bonanno is heard saying “What better way to remember 9/11 than with a Twin Tower sale?”
Bonanno goes on to describe the deals shoppers can score as two men and two towers of mattresses stand behind her. At the end, she pretends to fall on the men, who then knock down the twin mattresses.
“We’ll never forget,” Bonnano says at the end after shrieking in panic.
Many people were outraged by the 20-second ad that used 9/11 as a promotional tool. On Thursday morning, Miracle Mattress posted an official apology on Facebook and said customers may post their “opinions and reactions to respect an open and transparent discussion regarding the video that caused much embarrassment and anger.”
The post garnered more than 500 comments, with majority of people saying the apology was unacceptable and not enough to smooth over the situation that poked fun at a tragic day in history.
“I find it hard to believe you knew anyone or any of your employees knew anyone who lost their lives in 9/11! If that were the case they would have been so disgusted with your commercial that it would have never seen the light of day! You should be ashamed!!!!!” one woman wrote.
“You’re sorry you offended me? That’s not an apology I accept. Apologizing for creating it in the first place would be a start. Admitting you were WRONG for creating it is another step. There will never be an appropriate time to mock 9/11, and to do it to promote mattress sales?! Are you kidding me? Have some self respect,” another said.
Hours later, the mattress company released another formal apology letter in response to the choir of complaints from the initial attempt. This time, it was written by Miracle Mattress owner Mike Bonanno and addressed to “All the Victims and Families of 9/11.”
Below is an excerpt of the letter:
“I say this unequivocally, with sincere regret: the video is tasteless and an affront to the men and women who lost their lives on 9/11. Furthermore, it disrespects the families who lost their loved ones and continue to struggle with the pain of this tragedy every day of their lives.
All I can say is I am deeply sorry and on behalf of the entire Miracle Mattress family, I accept full responsibility for this thoughtless and crude advertisement and will immediately hold my employees accountable for this serious lapse of decency.”
I am disgusted such a video would have been conceived as a promotional tool and even more incensed it was created and posted on any social media site that represents Miracle Mattress.”
In my opinion the second apology was adequate and should be accepted.
Maybe, but it’s better than being a whole ass.
Home Depot can have a sale on nails & wood for Easter. You know, just to celebrate. Nothing offensive about it (as some here would surely say).
Next will be an MLK Day “White Sale”!
I hate to disappoint you, but your Easter sale comment is LOL funny!! In the context of the discussion, of course (I really don't think Home Depot pursuing such a marketing strategy would be wise :-).
How about a Jeffrey Dahmer Crock Pot sale? :-)
Yea, that was bad.. have a feeling that business will be changing its name and Tax ID shortly.
Yeah, but only if you're using technical geographical terminology.
Or an O’J Simpson Kitchen Knife set sale!!
I understand they will be hiring at Wells Fargo Bank soon.
I am trying to get you to say “butt hole” or “colon”, but you refuse to take the bait.
Hmm. I'll have to try harder...
Jerry Sandusky sale at Gap Kids -- all children's clothes 1/2 off!
Terry Schiavo sale at Costco -- 50% off on all vegetables!
Was talking with some people recently about the guy who was arrested in Germany for training his dog to do a "Heil Hitler" salute. The same thing applies.
Breaking via twitter, WOAI
The place will be closed indefinitely and renain silent during the weekend
We massacre prices on St. Valentine's Day!
[sound of Tommy gun shooting]
Terry Schiavo sale at Costco -- 50% off on all vegetables!
TOO FUNNY!!
What morons! o.O
Via News4San Antonio
Miracle Mattress Statement
Miracle Mattress Closes Store Indefinitely in Respect of 9/11 Anniversary
September 9th, 2016
Effective immediately, our Miracle Mattress store will be closed indefinitely. We will be silent through the 9/11 Anniversary to avoid any further distractions from a day of recognition and remembrance for the victims and their families. We take full responsibility for our actions and sincerely regret the hurt and pain caused by this disrespectful advertising campaign.
Miracle Mattress will deliver a public statement next week highlighting accountability actions taken within the company. We will also describe our plans to offer support for the 9/11 Memorial and victims funds. There is very little we can do to take away the hurt we have caused, but we can begin with silence through the Anniversary and then do our best to follow up with actions that reflect the seriousness of our mistake.
On a final note: there have been several fake social media accounts created in an attempt to attack commenters and those expressing outrage. Miracle Mattress, its ownership, and its employees, will not be engaging in any personal attacks or responses on any social media platform. Any account doing so is unauthorized. Additionally, I will be the only individual making official comments or statements on behalf of Miracle Mattress.
Respectfully,
Mike Bonanno
Owner, Miracle Mattress
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Uhh..... still too soon.
9/11 has turned into a parody and a long forgotten tragedy of epic proportions. 15 years after: Mideast destabilized and on fire.Iran with nukes and 33 billion gratis the Kenyan usurper.Syria, Libya,Yemen become failed states. Afghanistan Taliban controlled again and Iraq on the brink. Let’s not forget “JV” Daesh etc. But we can get a deal on a mattress. What’s the difference when we can buy a nice mattress on Memorial or Veterans day also?
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