Did a soda company really just create an international SCANDAL over a cherry flavor? Buckle up, because Pepsi’s latest marketing mishap is giving us all the cringe we need this week.
On Monday, July 6, Pepsi thought they were being absolutely hilarious when they posted on Threads: “Pepsi Wild Cherry is what happens when regular cherry stops asking permission.” Cute wordplay, right? WRONG. What Pepsi didn’t anticipate was that their innocent double entendre would trigger a firestorm of discourse about CONSENT that would make even the most seasoned PR executive lose sleep.
The internet, being the internet, immediately clutched its pearls. Critics argued that the messaging—no matter how unintentional—made light of a serious issue. The post quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, with social media users pointing out that the language could be interpreted as trivializing non-consensual situations. Yikes on bikes, Pepsi.
Within hours, the beverage giant realized their massive marketing oopsie and did what any company would do when caught in a scandal: DELETE, APOLOGIZE, and pray nobody screenshots it. Too late! The internet NEVER forgets, honey. Screenshots of the problematic post spread like wildfire across Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit, with influencers and everyday people alike weighing in on whether the company’s intentions mattered or if the damage was already done.
Pepsi issued a statement expressing regret for the post, clarifying that they absolutely support consent culture and that their copywriter clearly didn’t think this one through. The company emphasized that the post was meant as lighthearted marketing banter and didn’t reflect their values. Sure, Jan.
What’s absolutely WILD is how a simple beverage promotion became a referendum on corporate responsibility, social awareness, and whether brands should really be making ANY jokes involving consent in 2024. The brand’s PR team is probably still having stress-induced migraines.
Fans are split on whether Pepsi deserves to be canceled over this or if we’re all being a teensy bit too sensitive about wordplay. Either way, one thing’s for certain: this is the most talked-about thing to happen to a cherry soda since, well, ever.
What do you think? A) Pepsi was just joking and we’re overreacting B) Brands should know better than to make these kinds of jokes