This ad initially seems like a somber plea for help for the politically charged region of Tibet. Actually it’s just about how Timothy Hutton and Groupon can help you get awesome, cheap food from a Tibetan restaurant. The bait-and-switch didn’t sit well with many viewers, and the ad earned the distinction of being the least-liked of the 2011 Super Bowl, at least judging by YouTube users’ reaction. Similarly styled ads that targeted endangered whales and the rainforest the also elicited groans from viewers.
The 13 Most Controversial Super Bowl Ads Ever
10. Groupon Turns Tibet’s Troubles Into a Punchline
Full List
Controversial Super Bowl Ads
- There Is Such a Thing as Bad Publicity
- 13. PETA Gets Sexy With Vegetables
- 12. Tim Tebow Enters the Abortion Debate
- 11. Skechers Promotes Dog Racing
- 10. Groupon Turns Tibet’s Troubles Into a Punchline
- 9. eCard Company Indulges in Sexist Male Fantasy
- 8. Manly Men Accidentally Kiss in Snickers Ad
- 7. Salesgenie Offends With Cartoon Caricatures
- 6. GoDaddy Proves That Sex Sells
- 5. Pornhub Makes a Not-so-Naughty Commercial
- 4. Ashley Madison Wants to Help You Have an Affair
- 3. Holiday Inn Is Like a Transgender Woman
- 2. Shoe Retailer Pits Black Runner Against White Hunters
- 1. Senate Candidate Makes the Worst Possible Ad About China
