Circle K Mexico apologizes for “sexist” Secretary Day ad
The convenience store brand said in a statement that it did not intend to "promote any stereotype"
People walk past a Circle K convenience store in Mexico City, Thursday, July 18, 2019. Circle K Mexico is apologizing for an ad on "Secretary Day" promoting a deal on chocolate, red wine and condoms. (AP Photo/Cristina Baussan)
Associated Press
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Circle K Mexico is apologizing for an ad on "Secretary Day" promoting a deal on chocolate, red wine and condoms.
Leer en español: Circle K México se disculpa por anuncio "sexista" del Día de la Secretaria
The convenience store brand said in a Wednesday statement that it did not intend to "promote any stereotype" and highlighted its "promise to be a business that doesn't discriminate on the basis of gender."
The since-deleted ad was published Monday on Circle K Mexico's Twitter account. It depicts a cartoon image of a secretary's legs next to the phrase "If you know what I mean" in English and a wink emoji. One combo deal included wine, condoms and a Milky Way for 199 Mexican pesos (about US$ 10).
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Mexican Sen. Patricia Mercado tweeted that it was a "sexist ad."
Holidays that celebrate various professions are common in Latin America, particularly Mexico.
