“Cadillac did not authorize or approve a casting notice for an “alt-right (neo-nazi)” role in a commercial”, reads the company’s post.
Sunday, December 11th, Cadillac disavowed a casting notice for a brand ad that was calling for neo-Nazi and alt-right roles in their commercial. Needless to say that this caused outrage among social media users who condemned the casting notice on Friday, December 9th. The ad has been later modified and did not feature the word “neo-Nazi”. However, the casting notice was still calling out for individuals who identified as alt-right.
Via a Facebook post, Cadillac has disavowed the casting call, saying that the management did not authorize the ad agency to seek out neither alt-right or neo-Nazi roles to be featured in their commercial.
“Cadillac did not authorize or approve a casting notice for an “alt-right (neo-nazi)” role in a commercial”, reads the company’s post.
Cadillac then adds that the company unequivocally condemns the casting notice. Furthermore, Cadillac says that it is going to hold the production company, the ad agency, and other casting companies involved in the process responsible for the inappropriate piece.
Originally, the casting agency involved was looking for a variety of people for the Cadillac ad who would later testify how much they really love the cars. According to the creative agency, the person responsible for the listing mistake has been identified and immediately terminated in light of these events.
According to the listing, a mix of people was supposed to be part of the commercial, including U.S. military members, a taxi driver, and an Olympian. However, the casting notice made sure that to mention that the ad company was looking for “real alt-right thinkers” and neo-Nazis of any ethnicity. There was also an age limit included in the notice. Only people with ages between 20 and 40 could appear in the commercial.
According to the ad company’s statement, a former employee drafted the casting notice in question. The said employee has been since fired for her actions, adds the casting agency.
However, more worrying is the fact that there are some clues that suggest the ad company was aware at all times of the controversy that the casting notice would kindle. The listing was addressing to “all walks of life in America” who would be “standing together as a union”. Ultimately, maybe the most obvious indicator is that the company also said that the call “is not meant to be offensive in any way”. This strongly suggests that the creative company understood exactly what it was about to produce.
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