Just last week, phone and Internet service provider du ran an ad in Vox Cinemas across the UAE titled "The Man Sitting Next to You."
Showing various mishaps theater-goers encounter when seated next strangers at the cinema, the video poked fun at these characters we all know (and dread). From the woman who knocks over your popcorn as she walks past you to the guy who falls asleep on your shoulders, these are the people you definitely do not want to sit next to when you're at the movies.
Yesterday, du pulled the ad, citing the fact that some people found it offensive.
Because we respect your feedback. 💙 pic.twitter.com/TlS5EjgXmH
- du (@dutweets) May 7, 2017
It's unclear what exactly is offensive about the advert, but du's quick response to displeased customers proves that the company takes complaints pretty seriously.
Not everyone was happy with du removing the ad: many people took to Twitter to praise du for creating particularly funny and compelling content in the region.
@dutweets The advert is really funny and also has great production value...pity that people can't have more perspective and appreciate creativity.
- Andrew Scott Baird (@Andrewshka) May 8, 2017
@dutweets Truth be told guys, you are leading the way in the region for genuinely creative ads. They are hilariously genius.
- Salif Mitnan (@iamsalif) May 8, 2017
@dutweets In a crowd of almost embarrassing and mediocre ads out of this region, you guys have pioneered in making relevant and hilarious ads.
- Salif Mitnan (@iamsalif) May 8, 2017
While you can still view the funny ad above, you won't be seeing it next time you take in a show at a Vox Cinema.