An online pharmacy has reportedly used a popular celeb meme featuring David and Victoria Beckham to promote its weight loss offerings.
Using popular memes to piggyback on is a common feature among companies advertising today.
Bolt Pharmacy used a Beckham-inspired meme to advertise weight-loss pills and jabs
Bolt, an online pharmacy, has attracted eyeballs for using a popular meme featuring the Beckhams for advertising its weight-loss products.
The meme visual captures a viral moment between David and Victoria Beckham in a Netflix documentary. It shows Victoria Beckham talking about her working-class childhood. David pops in his head from next door and tells his wife to “be honest”. Thus, the meme visual shows Victoria Beckham talking with David’s head jutting in from the side.
According to The Sun, Bolt has used this image by overlaying text on the couple in three panels.
In panel 1, Victoria says, “you won’t find weight loss treatment for less than £300/month”. David replies, “Be honest”
In panel 2, Victoria insists, “You can try through the NHS, but it would take at least six months”. David steadfastly repeats, “Be honest.”
In panel 3, Victoria finally admits, “Bolt is three times more affordable, and it takes only a two-minute quiz to be approved”. David appears relieved and answers, “Thank you”.
Facebook viewers wasted no time in tearing into the company. One person said: “Wonder how much Bolt are going to have to pay the Beckhams and the production company for copyright infringement.” Another quipped, “I think Bolt have shot themselves in the foot here.”
A third person said: “I’m sure Victoria Beckham is not advertising this product.”
An industry insider commented that this was a common practice that plagues celebrities. They said, “This type of thing happens with celebrities all the time. It’s very frustrating.”
Many others, like “This Morning” presenter Holly Willoughby and money-saving wizard Martin Lewis, have been impacted by such adverts that use unauthorized celeb material to promote their business.
The Beckhams are unlikely to take the dodgy ad to court. A spokesperson from their side has confirmed that the couple has no connection to Bolt.
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