Retail giant Bloomingdale’s has apologized for a print advertisement that is being criticized for appearing to encourage date rape.
The advertisement, currently running in the department store’s holiday brochures, depicts a well-dressed man casting a sneaky glance at a woman laughing beside him. The copy: “Spike your best friend’s egg nog when they’re not looking.”
The ad drew swift condemnation on social media:
Or don't and quit being a creep… #Bloomingdales pic.twitter.com/Liu8DKMMnP
— Kristen Alderson (@krisalderson) November 10, 2015
Thanks to @Bloomingdales for reminding us that monetizing rape culture is just another day in advertising. pic.twitter.com/G5YmIpB3ZZ
— Lyndsay Kirkham (@Lyndsay_Kirkham) November 11, 2015
Here's Bloomingdales advertising festive date rape and non-consensual drug abuse to sell fashion. Stay classy. pic.twitter.com/7KiPxmyB02
— Jack Monroe (@DrJackMonroe) November 11, 2015
burn down your local bloomingdale's when they're not looking pic.twitter.com/ZbD2dCdLZF
— olga lexell (@runolgarun) November 10, 2015
Bloomingdale’s quickly issued an apology for the ad: “We heard your feedback about our catalog copy, which was inappropriate and in poor taste. Bloomingdale’s sincerely apologizes.” In an official statement, the company blamed an “error in judgement” for releasing the ad.
Unfortunately for the retailer, the ad has already been included in thousands of holiday brochures sent out to customers, so there is little it can do other than wait out the criticism.

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