Conor McGregor's Budweiser commercial banned for odd reason
A Budweiser commercial featuring UFC star Conor McGregor has been banned by Ireland's national public service broadcaster for quite an unusual reason.
RTE has apparently banned the TV spot for promoting underage drinking, according to Independent.ie.
"The 40-second video, titled 'Dream Big', features McGregor's giving a short motivational speech, but according to the Sunday Business post, the national broadcaster has opted against showing it as they feel that it might encourage young people to drink alcohol."
Even though McGregor isn't even shown drinking in the ad, current advertising regulations in Ireland prohibit the marketing of alcohol towards children by the use of "heroes of the young." McGregor is an Irish sports hero who is known internationally, so he certainly falls into that category.
According to Irishmirror.ie, Budweiser Ireland responded to the situation by proudly endorsed McGregor as an ambassador of their brand, and that the commercial had been audited and approved by independent pre-vetting service.
"Conor is an aspirational figure for people who wish to follow their dreams and ambitions," the company said in a statement (via Irishmirror.ie). "Based on independent statistics research, Conor McGregor has an overwhelming adult appeal."
McGregor, who recently lost to Nate Diaz at UFC 196, is expected to rematch Diaz for the belt at UFC 200 in July.
