As controversy continues to surround the Madden brothers' past vegetarianism and support of an anti-KFC People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign, many have slammed the fast food giant's new ambassadors as "sellouts", with one calling them "douchebag wannabe Australians".
The American singers and members of punk rock band Good Charlotte were unveiled as the faces of KFC Australia's 'Good Times' campaign earlier this week, and front many online and television ads currently rolling out.
However, many have criticised the Maddens for agreeing to support the fast food chain calling them "sellouts" on Facebook, while others have slammed KFC for enlisting the brothers.
One user said: "For real? They are the two biggest friggin' douchebag wannabe Australians. Seriously, go back to the USA and take your crap music and 'awesome' tattoos with you."
Another said: "Their going to write a song about fried chicken? Oh that will go down well! A mess waiting to happen."
"They look like they've put on a bit of weight ... Too much KFC?", commented another.
Meanwhile, others said: "that is disguising", "sellouts!!!" and "they look like KFC's target audience, bogans".
However, some have supported KFC and the brothers, with one arguing: "If you dont like KFC or the Maddens, why have you liked the page and why are you here? You only get fat sitting on your butt making rude comments all day."
Consumers have also questioned the authenticity of the new endorsement due to Benji Madden's former well-known stance as a vegetarian and the band's involvement in a US-based PETA campaign specifically targeting the food chain.
PETA confirmed to AdNews earlier this
week that the brothers had been involved in a series of demonstrations
in the US campaigning against the chain's alleged cruelty to
chickens.
On user said on YouTube: "A famous vegetarian PETA supporter advertising KFC, seems legit", while another asked "isn't Benji a vegetarian?"
Nevertheless, Benji has continued to stand up for the new push, declaring he is no longer a vegetarian or supports PETA.
He said on Twitter: "Haven't been vegetarian for years, unaffiliated myself with PETA, disagree with many of its methods. Happy to talk about this campaign anytime."
Additionally, one fan asked "what’s up with KFC? Aren't you vegan?", to which he replied "nah was about 8 years ago - back on the crack".
The push is currently rolling out across several platforms including television, online and social media. It was created by a host of agencies, with creative done by Ogilvy Sydney, media by MediaCom, branded entertainment by Ensemble and PR by Edelman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7iHH7xtU64
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