In an increasingly digitalized world, brands allocate million-dollar budgets to advertising strategies to maintain relevance and capture new audiences. A current example is Google, which has faced criticism for a new holiday ad featuring a “non-binary” influencer.
From television commercials to social media campaigns, market giants invest heavily to grab the attention of consumers who are increasingly demanding and dispersed across multiple platforms.
According to data, over 60% of global advertising spending is currently allocated to digital media, reflecting the shift in content consumption habits.
The content creator, who uses the pronouns “he/she” and “they/them,” has amassed more than 1 million followers on TikTok and Instagram by posting humorous videos about family dynamics and promoting beauty products, according to Forbes, which recently published a cover story about him.
Veyssi appears to have partnered with Google for a Google Shopping ad last December. Other accounts quickly shared the new video and criticized Google.
Bonchie, a writer for RedState, mocked the ad, writing: “Google: ‘What should we do for our Christmas ad?’
Normal people: ‘Maybe a family sharing gifts around a tree?’
Google launches WOKE Christmas campaign featuring man wearing women’s clothing complaining about his skin. pic.twitter.com/Rvk7wa5NIh
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 11, 2024
Google: ‘Sorry, the best we can do is a guy flaunting women’s clothing.’”
A Google spokesperson told Fox News Digital that this post was just one part of a broader campaign featuring dozens of smaller influencers on social media.
“Everyone loves finding a good deal and saving money. That’s why we’re promoting Google Shopping as the best way to do it. To put things into perspective, this was a single sponsored Instagram post, representing a fraction of one percent of a much broader Google Shopping campaign,” the spokesperson said.
Another brand criticized for similar strategies was luxury car manufacturer Jaguar, after announcing its rebranding with an ad featuring androgynous models.
Google Faces Backlash Over New Holiday Ad Featuring Non-Binary Influencer
Google is being accused of going “woke” with a new holiday ad featuring a “non-binary” beauty influencer.
The online Google Shopping ad stars rising TikTok influencer Cyrus Veyssi searching for skincare products using Google’s service. The ad sparked negative reactions online after conservative commentator and detransitioner Oli London shared it with a critical caption.
“Google launches a WOKE Christmas campaign featuring a man in women’s clothing complaining about his skin,” London wrote about the ad.
In the ad, Veyssi appears wearing makeup and women’s clothing, complaining about dry skin.
“This winter is no exception, especially when I have to rock so many holiday looks. Thankfully, I know exactly what’s right for me,” Veyssi says while browsing products on Google Shopping.
“Hydrated skin is a gift for everyone. No wrapping required. Happy holidays to me,” the influencer concludes as the Google Shopping logo appears on the screen. The ad was also shared on Veyssi’s Instagram account.
Veyssi, 30, has recently been featured in various media outlets highlighting rising influencers on social media and is the co-host of Amazon Prime’s talk show Influenced.
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