Can you figure out why this ad was banned from RTE, Ireland’s national television station? If you guessed the Irish are being huge, gaping pussies, then congratulations, you’re correct!
The seemingly innocent ad sees Conor McGregor walking in the streets of Dublin, which eventually turn into Los Angeles. McGregor’s voiceover then spits out inspirational quotes such as “If your dream doesn’t scare you, then it’s not big enough” and “Nate Diaz put me to sleep.” Just kidding on that last one, but a man can dream.
So what did the drunkest country on the planet deem inappropriate?
“It might encourage young people to drink alcohol.”
Ya, that’s the point, Ireland you drunken bastards. And look at you all up on your high horse. The pot calling the kettle a drunk. Quit running from who you are. You’re embarrassing yourself, hero.
Budweiser has defended the commercial, claiming the ad “was pre-approved by an advertising vetting service.” The RTE being huge sallies about the ad could just be sour grapes for McGregor’s polarizing persona in his homeland. Big, unapologetic sports stars are not Ireland’s forte, and many believe McGregor’s brash personality is not representative of the Irish culture–this was all to clear when Irish officials refused to organize homecoming celebrations when McGregor beat Jose Aldo to win the UFC featherweight belt. That was only changed when the public stepped in and made a stink.
Regardless, Irish officials have to keep in mind that Ireland and drinking go together like spaghetti and meatballs. Or lamb and tuna fish. It’s best they just embrace the 26-year-old superstar and their nation’s affinity for boozin.
[h/t Uproxx]