Brands Pull Sponsorships from 'I've Had It' Podcast Over Controversial Remarks
Advertisers distance themselves after podcast hosts laughed at a joke regarding Charlie Kirk.
1Viral Clip Triggers Boycott
The podcast 'I've Had It' is facing a significant advertising exodus after hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan laughed at a joke concerning the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. A 39-second clip of the incident went viral on X, accumulating nearly 6 million views and sparking widespread public condemnation online.
2Corporate Partners Sever Ties
At least nine companies, including Chewy, Cash App, Zenni, Casper, and Honeylove, have officially terminated their sponsorship agreements with the program. Chewy CEO Sumit Singh explicitly stated that the hosts' behavior failed to align with the company's core values, emphasizing that the brand unequivocally condemns violence in all its forms.
3Hosts Issue Formal Apology
Following the intense backlash, Welch and Sullivan posted an apology on the podcast's Instagram account this past Saturday. They acknowledged that their laughter was insensitive and expressed regret for their reaction. The hosts further stated that gun violence is never a subject for humor, regardless of existing political differences between parties.
4Donation to Advocacy Group
In an attempt to mitigate the fallout, the podcast announced a donation to Everytown for Gun Safety, recognized as the largest gun-violence-prevention organization in the United States. This gesture serves as an effort to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the serious nature of the topic they previously mocked on air.
5Precedent for Media Backlash
This incident follows a pattern of media figures facing professional consequences for remarks about Charlie Kirk. Previously, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel over similar comments, while other major corporations like Office Depot and Nasdaq have disciplined employees for negative online discourse regarding the activist, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding his public profile.
6Broader Podcast Industry Tensions
The 'Pivot' podcast, hosted by Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, is also facing calls for an advertising boycott. This follows Galloway's recent criticism of Elon Musk, where he compared the billionaire to the Rosenbergs. These events underscore the increasing scrutiny advertisers apply to the political commentary featured on their sponsored shows.
7Investor and Executive Response
The controversy surrounding Galloway has reached the corporate boardroom, with Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl publicly criticizing the academic's remarks. Scholl, noting that Galloway is an investor in his aerospace company, announced intentions to arrange a buyout of the academic's shares, citing the severity of the comments as the primary driver.
8Shifting Landscape for Advertisers
The rapid withdrawal of major brands from these podcasts illustrates a low tolerance for controversial political rhetoric in the current media climate. As companies prioritize brand safety and public image, creators face heightened pressure to maintain professional standards, as even a brief moment of insensitivity can lead to immediate financial consequences.