Budweiser have stood by a commercial starring Conor McGregor after it was banned from being broadcast on RTE.
Irish advertising laws prohibit marketing by alcohol brands directed at children or that may be seen to encourage them to start drinking.
Although the ad in question doesn’t actually show the UFC star drinking, RTE stated they believe that by the ad featuringConor, it breaches the ASAI use of “heroes of the young”.
Not fussed: Budweiser have defended their ad after it was banned by RTE | VIPIRELAND.COM
“RTE believes it took the correct and prudent action in not approving the commercials for broadcast on its television services,” Head of Operations for RTE Commercial Television Paul Mulligan said.
However, Budweiser Ireland have dismissed the criticism and have insisted they are standing by the ad.
“Conor is an aspirational figure for people who wish to follow their dreams and ambitions,” the company said in a statement.
“Based on independent statistical research, Conor McGregor has an overwhelming adult appeal.”
Meanwhile, rival brand Heinken have also slammed the ad for using the Crumlin fighter, insisting they would never use a celebrity in their ads who would appeal to underage kids.
“We would not, and should not, use anyone in our ads who would appeal to underage,” they said in a statement.
