In the race for attention, brands sometimes cross the line, leading to significant backlash. Bumble's 2024 billboard, which stated, “A Vow of Celibacy is Not the Answer,” was criticized as misogynistic, resulting in a swift apology. Similarly, American Eagle's campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney faced accusations of promoting genetic superiority with its tagline “She’s got great jeans.” Protein World's 2015 billboard, asking if consumers were “Beach Body Ready?”, ignited outrage for body-shaming, leading to a ban from the UK's Advertising Standards Authority after gathering over 70,000 signatures. Nike's 2025 ad for the London Marathon, using the phrase “Never again,” drew ire for its insensitivity towards Holocaust remembrance, prompting an immediate retraction. Sony's 2006 campaign for the PlayStation Portable was criticized for promoting racist imagery, leading to its global withdrawal. A Berlin funeral home's billboard, “Come a Little Closer,” was deemed tasteless for its dark humor. McDonald's faced backlash for a billboard placed next to a crematorium, and Zomato's 2017 campaign in India was forced down due to its use of Hindi profanity. These examples illustrate how the quest for publicity can backfire dramatically.