Think twice before making jokes on Twitter

Royal Dutch Airlines under fire over “offensive” tweet

Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) came under fire over “offensive” tweet after Netherlands defeated Mexico at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Following the win – Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Mexico – a message was posted on KLM’s official Twitter account which read: “Adios Amigos! #NEDMEX” accompanied by a picture of a departures sign and a sombrero wearing caricature.

The tweet instantly went viral and provoked angry responses from the public, expressing their outrage at the offensive comment. The tweet was celebrating Mexico’s loss more than it was celebrating the Dutch win.

The tweet was removed from KLM’s feed following the Twitter backlash, but by then it had already been retweeted nearly 10,000 times. KLM spokesman said that the tweet was “meant to be a joke”. KLM issued a formal apology:

In the best of sportsmanship, we offer our heartfelt apologies to those who have been offended by the comment

AeroMexico was fast to pick-up the “fun” tweet

Mexican national carrier AeroMexico broadcast its own response on Twitter in support of the country’s football team under an arrivals sign:

Thank you for this great championship. You’ve made us proud and we’re waiting for you at home

Don’t joke on Twitter

So don’t joke about something on Twitter, that should never been joked about. Let’s not forget the Twitter nightmare that Justine Sacco had.

Short URL & title:
Think twice before making jokes on Twitter — https://www.torbenrick.eu/t/r/pfn
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