KFC’s ‘bucket’ 50th Birthday ad cleared of inappropriate language and implied swearing
Fast food giant KFC has had its 50th Birthday advertisement cleared by the ad watchdog despite complaints labelling the ad as inappropriate and filled with innuendo.
“I’m offended by the ad because it clearly refers to someone saying “Fuck It”, but they are using the word “Bucket,” the complaint about the ad, which is set at a 1968 dinner table, said.
Not suitable at the time slot as my three year old immediately copied the ad, but isn’t saying Bucket! No need for the innuendo with so many other words in the dictionary that don’t resemble blasphemy that could be used instead,” the complaint read.
KFC responded to the complaint by stating the ad is targeted at adults with its use of “nostalgic imagery and music”.
The fast food giant said the ad clearly says “bucket” in reference to the bucket of chicken which is presented to the little boy.
“We believe that a bucket of KFC chicken creates a moment of joy and release for many people. This TV ad highlights our iconic bucket as the symbol of this sentiment,” KFC added.
Ad Standards agreed with KFC arguing the language was not “child-like” or targeted specifically to children and even if there was an illusion to a “stronger term” the retailer clearly used another distinctive word, bucket.
Shocking add. Take off air
Love it! Simple but works.
I have just seen this billboard on the side of the road, Bucket, why not? and put the question to my husband. How would the CEOs and all managers of KFC feel if all the staff employed at KFC was to say to each and every customer that entered the store that requested a’Bucket,’ reply…
Bucket, why not.
Good for the goose.. Good for the gander.
How do these people hold a job.
The word bucket is clearly smutty to the extreme.
Anyone who does not get the intended meaning is brain dead, but the again I suppose it is aimed at this particular audience because you would have to have a death wish to eat it.
Typical the only way you can draw attention to your ad is through innuendo – absolutely disgusting getting a child to do this
Along with BCF (Boating, Fishing and Camping) KFC and its so called “Gurus” of the Australian advertising world has now also stooped low to the use of sexual innuendo and or inference in its advertising campaigns. Do we really need this form of promoting a product I ask? It does nothing but promote us, as Australian, as being smutty and highly unintelligent. Our watchdog authorities can also be slotted into the same category, in my opinion.
Clearly KFC had an intent of using an inappropriate word on it’s own. He obviously isn’t enjoying Mums meal and the option makes a spur of the moment decision easy. All that was required was for the child to say “a bucket” and problem solved. We should be asking KFC why?
Good work guys…KFC like other greedy and predatory companies targets the young and impressionable dumbos half wits and bogans whose IQ rivals the poor cage feed chickens who have no life and no brains to match. Don’t you also love their pathetic cricket ad gonzo rings his boss to tell him he is sick….only to see him at the cricket. KFC will get karma one day when their brain dead underpaid employees ring in and do the same one day and tell their sleezy franchise owner to “Bucket”…I quit!
Yes I agree Tom……KFC should do a fast forward ad 30 years later and show that kid as a fat obese foulmouthed slob sitting on the hill hurling abusive racist rants at Pakistani cricketers….surrounded by his bogans mates swilling VB….then he comes home to Sydney’s western suburbs and is about to vomit….and then in a Mick of time his aged parents reach out and say…Bucket????
I think that it is undoubtedly inappropriate, but come on, I’m surewe all have said the word before and they didn’t even use. Boring marketing but wrong? Absolutely not.
Getting a child to say bucket?
Are you trolling?
So true! Anyone who has eaten kfc, is doomed poverty and obesity!
Plain as day an innuendo to saying “F” it.
Instead of having a home cooked meal, and if this ad is targeted for adults( as KFC state) why is the child given it, says it & then offers the bucket to a group of children- mmm come on, really KFC this is totally inappropriate. Lost myself and many others who have commented about this ad as loyal customers. Yes you’ve grabbed the audience’s attention but unfortunately for ALL the wrong reasons!!
Totally inappropriate. Appeared good food the child was eating to be replaced by junk. Missed the buckit part of it my my wife noticed. Should be removed.
When the Kentucky Fried Chicken began in the early Sixties, people lined up to try it out. And it was really really tasty ! We believed the herbs and spices. I would buy it now if it resembled in any way what it once was. It just looks and tastes sad now.
Grow up.
You know what…..grow a sense of humour….I live in the States now and I absolutely hate how you cannot crack a joke without first checking you wont offend anyone. Because you do not know how sad that is, I am saying stop. Appreciate that Australians have a unique sense of humour and we “can” laugh at ourselves and our uniqueness. Nothing bad is going to happen….we are not a country filled with gun violence, most of us can take a joke. If you dont like the ad..fine….but lots of people get a laugh out of it…. and we get a say too.
You’ve gone too far with this advert.
How did it got past as appropriate advertising?
Firstly you are teaching children to waste a noutrional meal that took time and money to produce, to eat takeaway that is full of the wrong fats and preservatives.
Plus the play on the word BUCKET is intentional.
I’m actually offended by this advert and will be avoiding kfc in the future, plus my full family.
Whoever thought of and approved this ad needs to think about changing their career.
Diana Browne Gold Coast
Get a life
Get a life
Just as offensive as the BCF ad. Realise that kids are watching tv with their parents too. Come on make it more appropriate and don’t sink to dirt level.
I have never seen so much hate written in one comment about KFC…
Racism at it’s ugly worst…Just saw the latest KFC commercial and it features an attractive Caucasian girl in the crowd turning to kiss a Africian male over a Caucasian male…..now if that was the other way around it wouldn’t last a minute on air.
Why not have an African girl opting to kiss a Caucasian male instead of the African boy or don’t you consider African women attractive?
Absolutely disgraceful
KFC promote itself as a family restaurant. Totally missed their target audience with the “bucket” campaign. ?
I am offended by the current KFC advertisement. They are implying another meaning and everyone knows what that is. The advertisement should be removed.
I have just read dozens of complaints about KFC ads, written since early 2018 & it seems that this low life company has taken no notice of any of the complaints. I say “low life” because of what I see as their attitude towards children & the excuses they use for using foul language in ads selling fatty, greasy take away food to children. Their ads are so in-appropriate & the “SHUT UP & TAKE MY MONEY”, has nothing to do with the product. Management – if you have any decency &/or respect for your current & maybe (you hope) future customers, try supporting parents already battling with teaching their children basic respect, NOW.