The Philadelphia Eagles have taken action against a counterfeit political advertisement that falsely endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election.
Fox News reported that the ad, which appeared on social media on Monday, depicted Harris wearing an Eagles helmet and claimed that she was the "official candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles." In response, the team has issued a statement denying any involvement in the creation or endorsement of the advertisement.
The Eagles have confirmed that the ad is not authentic and are working with their advertising partner to have it removed.
The team expressed their concerns on social media, stating, "We are aware counterfeit political ads are being circulated and are working with our advertising partner to have them removed."
This statement highlights the team's prompt response to the situation as they aim to clear up any confusion surrounding the advertisement.
The fake advertisement was reportedly placed at a bus stop in Philadelphia, further amplifying its reach beyond the digital realm.
The ad included a link to the Eagles' official website, which supposedly provided information on how to vote. However, as of Monday afternoon, the voting information on the site appeared to have been last updated before the Pennsylvania and New Jersey primaries, suggesting that the ad was part of a larger misinformation campaign.
CBS News was able to trace the ad back to street artist Winston Tseng, who has a history of using brands and advertising to comment on societal issues.
In a 2023 interview with Street Art News, Tseng stated, "I like to use brands and advertising to communicate societal issues, hopefully bringing some unexpected attention to them in our daily lives." Tseng's involvement in this latest stunt seems to align with his previous work, where he has leveraged familiar logos and imagery to provoke thought and discussion.
The Philadelphia Eagles have not only disavowed the advertisement but are actively working to have it removed. The team is collaborating with their advertising partner to ensure that the fake ad is taken down from both online platforms and any physical locations where it may have been posted.
This effort underscores the seriousness with which the Eagles are addressing the situation, as they seek to protect their brand from being associated with any unauthorized political endorsements.
The counterfeit ad's inclusion of a link to the Eagles' website also raises concerns about the potential for further misinformation. The fact that the voting information on the site was outdated at the time the ad circulated suggests that those behind the ad may have intended to mislead viewers about the team's involvement in the political process.
The Eagles' swift response to the situation demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their brand and ensuring that their platform is not used for deceptive purposes.
Winston Tseng, the artist identified as the creator of the ad, has made a name for himself by using art to make bold statements about contemporary issues.
His work often incorporates recognizable brands and logos, repurposing them to comment on societal and political matters. The fake Eagles ad is consistent with Tseng's style, which seeks to challenge viewers' perceptions and encourage them to question the messages they encounter in everyday life.
In this case, Tseng's use of the Philadelphia Eagles' logo and imagery to promote a political message has sparked significant controversy. The ad's false endorsement of Kamala Harris not only misrepresents the team's stance but also has the potential to confuse voters and fans alike.
By associating the Eagles with a specific political candidate, the ad could have unintended consequences, influencing public opinion based on a false premise.
As the Philadelphia Eagles work to remove the counterfeit ad, they are also taking steps to ensure that their brand is not used in similar ways in the future.
The team's proactive approach to addressing the situation reflects their awareness of the potential damage that such a fake endorsement could cause. By swiftly disavowing the ad and working to have it taken down, the Eagles are reinforcing their commitment to remaining apolitical and maintaining the trust of their fans.
The incident serves as a reminder of the power that brands and logos hold in shaping public perception. In this case, the use of the Eagles' brand in a political context has led to confusion and controversy, highlighting the importance of protecting such assets from misuse.
The Eagles' response to the situation demonstrates their dedication to preserving the integrity of their brand and ensuring that it is not co-opted for unauthorized purposes.
