LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17 (UPI) — Buffalo Wild Wings on Thursday decided to pull a series of television advertisements featuring comedian Steve Rannazzisi, after his claims of being in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, were debunked.
For years, Rannazzisi told the story — that he was an employee of Merrill Lynch on the 54th floor of the South Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower the day of the terrorist attacks.
The veracity of his claims was questioned by The New York Times earlier this week, and it was discovered that Rannazzisi had not worked for Merrill Lynch — and that the firm had no offices in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.
Rannazzisi subsequently admitted to making the whole story up. Thursday, restaurantier Buffalo Wild Wings announced it has decided to pull a series of TV commercials featuring the comedian.
“Upon careful review, we have decided to discontinue airing our current television commercials featuring Steve Rannazzisi,” the restaurant chain said in a statement.
The comedian apologized for the fabrication on Tuesday, calling his behavior “inexcusable.”
Comedy Central is scheduled to air a one-hour comedy program featuring Rannazzisi this weekend, but the network is still trying to determine what action to take, if any.
Rannazzisi also appears as a character in the 20th Century Fox-produced television show The League. Network officials have said Rannazzisi will remain on the show.
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