RCB Moves Delhi High Court Against Uber Over Ad Featuring Travis Head
The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed its fair share of drama and controversy, but the latest development has taken everyone by surprise. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has moved the Delhi High Court against Uber, the popular ride-hailing service, over its IPL-themed advertisement featuring Travis Head, the opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The controversy surrounds Uber’s ‘Hyderabaddie’ campaign for its bike taxi service, Uber Moto, which was launched to promote the IPL. The advertisement features Travis Head spray-painting ‘Royally Challenged Bengaluru’ on a stadium sign before an SRH-RCB match. The campaign aimed to highlight the ‘friendly rivalry’ between the two teams, but it appears to have crossed the line, according to RCB.
In a move to seek legal action against Uber, RCB has claimed that the advertisement amounts to commercial disparagement and has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court. The crux of the issue is that RCB is of the opinion that the advertisement is an attempt to mock and ridicule the team, which is a violation of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines.
The ‘Hyderabaddie’ campaign, which was launched to promote Uber Moto, has sparked widespread outrage and criticism on social media. Many fans have expressed their disappointment and anger at the advertisement, which they feel is an insult to RCB and its fans. The hashtag #RCBNotRoyallyChallenged has been trending on Twitter, with fans rallying behind their team and demanding an apology from Uber.
RCB’s decision to move the Delhi High Court comes as no surprise, given the severity of the issue. The team has been a consistent performer in the IPL, and its fans take immense pride in their team’s achievements. The advertisement, which is perceived as an attempt to belittle RCB, has left a sour taste in the mouth of many fans.
The question now is, will the Delhi High Court hear RCB’s petition and take action against Uber? The court is expected to examine the issue and determine whether the advertisement indeed amounts to commercial disparagement.
Uber, in a statement, has apologized for any offense caused by the advertisement and has removed it from circulation. The company has also stated that it is committed to promoting the spirit of friendly competition in the IPL and will ensure that its future campaigns are respectful and fair.
While the controversy surrounding the advertisement continues to unfold, one thing is clear: RCB will not take this lying down. The team has a reputation for being one of the most passionate and loyal in the IPL, and its fans will stop at nothing to defend their team’s honor.
The ‘Hyderabaddie’ campaign, which was meant to be a light-hearted and humorous advertisement, has turned out to be a PR disaster for Uber. The company’s failure to anticipate the backlash and its lack of sensitivity towards RCB’s fans have led to widespread criticism and outrage.
As the controversy rages on, one can only hope that sense prevails and a resolution is reached. The IPL is a celebration of cricket and sportsmanship, and it is essential that all parties involved conduct themselves with respect and dignity.
