Compare the Market pulls Aleksandr Orlov meerkat ads after Russian invasion

Compare the Market has withdrawn some of its adverts featuring the famous Russian meerkat Aleksandr Orlov following the invasion of Ukraine.

The UK comparison site, owned by financial services firm BGL, has confirmed they have reviewed its media plan to ensure the adverts did not feature around news bulletins on the invasion.

The meerkat is best known for saying "simples" and has played the character of a billionaire from Moscow since 2009.

A company spokesperson said: “The Comparethemarket meerkats are fictional characters. They have no association with Russia and the current situation.

“We are continually reviewing our advertising to ensure we’re being sensitive to the current situation.”

Following more than a decade of featuring on screens across the UK, the meerkat has helped Compare the Market become the largest comparison site in the UK.

Orlov, who is voiced by Simon Greenall, pushed the number of visitors on the website to soar in the first six months of him being introduced, reports the Independent.

In August 2009, the Guardian released an opinion piece that branded the advert series as racist after accusing them of poking fun out of Eastern European accents.

However, Orlov has continued to make viewers laugh ever since after the Advertising Standards Authority said it hadn't received any similar complaints.

• 

  Brit dad heading to Ukraine in bid to save wife and baby from Russian troops

The part ad removal comes as brands across the globe re-think about using anything that has ties with Russia.

The Daily Star previously reported that bar and restaurant owners have taken their stance on the invasion by pouring away Russian vodka.

One man even replaced all of his stock with shots of Ukrainian vodka which he is offering for $5 each (£3.80) and giving the funds to a humanitarian charity.

Meanwhile, US restaurant chain Applebees issued an apology and pulled its adverts from CNN after they were shown during live coverage of the war.

An Applebees spokesperson told Forbes: “We are deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine. When we were made aware that our ad was placed in this manner, we immediately reached out to CNN to pause our advertising on their network.

“It never should have aired, and we are disappointed in the actions of the network.”

To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up for one of our newslettershere .

Source: Read Full Article