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Viral ad campaign accidentally sparks bear search (Video)

Philips apologises for publicity stunt, but may face a fine if found guilty of committing a public nuisance.

Oct 14th 2010, 4:28 PM 333 Views 1 Comment

DUTCH ELECTONICS GROUP PHILIPS has apologised for sparking off a search for a bear in Singapore after a marketing video stunt.

The video (see below) appears to show a bear rummaging through bins, and caused around a dozen police and zoo officials to search the area for the animal.

The video was sent to news organisations by a person who identified themselves as a civil engineer whose son filmed the footage as they drove past.

The ‘bear’ was actually a man in a costume and the video was part of a Philips viral ad campaign for electric shavers, according to Newser.

The company issued an apology, stating:

We acknlowledge that the resemblance of the mascot to a live bear has caused some public concern in the neighbourhood where the mascot was sighted.

Authorities are treating the stunt as a waste of police resources, according to Channel Asia News, and police are now investigating the incident as a possible public nuisance offence.

The BBC says Philips could be fined S$1,000 (€548) if found guilty.

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Viral ad campaign accidentally sparks bear search (Video)