Conflict of interest? Good Charlotte slams KFC then fronts its marketing

By By Amy Kellow | 29 November 2012
 
Good Charlotte members in a PETA anti-KFC campaign.

Benji and Joel Madden's involvement in KFC Australia's new 'Good Times' campaign stands in stark contrast to their band Good Charlotte's participation in a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) push, which denounced the fast food chain's treatment of animals.

The brothers, famous for fronting American punk rock band Good Charlotte, were revealed yesterday as the new faces of KFC's 'Good Times' initiative by the fast food company. The campaign will see the brothers front a number of television and online spots in coming weeks.

However, the Maddens and other members of Good Charlotte were previously involved in a US-based anti-KFC push led by animal rights organisation PETA, while there is also unbranded footage of Benji Madden on YouTube urging consumers to be vegetarian and fight for animal rights.

The PETA website reports the band took place in a series of demonstrations at various KFC restaurants around America in a bid to expose its cruelty to chickens and encourage consumers to boycott the popular chain.

It features photos of the band actively campaigning to end KFC's alleged cruelty to chickens, holding signs with slogans such as "scalded alive" and "broken wings and legs".

A PETA Asia spokesperson told AdNews: "When Good Charlotte was in its hay day, they helped PETA publicise KFC’s abuse of chickens by attending a protest at a restaurant in the US (the protest was for PETA US). We were grateful for their help then.

"We hope that the guys in Good Charlotte consider the effects of their decisions on human health, the environment, and animals, before they sign their next endorsement deal."

However, Joel Madden has tweeted to Australian website FasterLouder that he has never been a PETA advocate nor a vegetarian. Joel Madden became a well-known figure in Australia throughout 2012 for his involvement with Nine's adopted US reality format, The Voice.

The new KFC push is being promoted primarily on the company's Facebook page and website, and encourages fans to provide the Maddens with inspiration to write a song.

KFC Australia chief marketing officer Nikki Lawson said of the 'Good Times' campaign: “Fun seems to have been put on hold and we want everyone to rediscover and enjoy the everyday moments and things that make being in Australia ‘So Good’.

“KFC is encouraging Aussies to help inspire Joel and Benji, by sharing what it means to have a good time in Australia. People with access to Facebook will be able to visit our page and share their inspiration by submitting a video, story or photo to the Good Times Gallery.

“There’s loads of things that make Australia great, spending time with your family or mates, being at the cricket, eating delicious food or enjoying good tunes. We felt this was a great opportunity to team up with Joel and Benji, who like us, love having a good time and enjoy our great tasting food."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNWfTeYTO3k

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