People watching CNN’s live coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine were stunned and sickened to see an Applebee’s ad in the midst of the heartbreaking war report.
“It’s so awkward that CNN will cut from an interview with a Ukrainian family that has had their home bombed and lost everything to a commercial with upbeat music for Applebees so quickly,” an outraged Twitter user wrote.
Another joked: “Russia invades Ukraine brought to you by Applebees!”
A CNN spokesperson said that “advertisements have been removed from the coverage.” The backlash also prompted an Applebee’s spokesperson to issue a statement.
“When we were made aware that our ad was placed in this manner, we immediately reached out to CNN to pause our advertising on their network,” the statement said.
“It should have never aired, and we are disappointed in the actions of the network.”
