Japanese TV spot portrays Obama as a monkey

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“A japanese cell phone company has pulled its latest commercial from the airwaves after using a monkey to portray Senator Barack Obama. The company says it had no idea there were racial undertones.”

“The mobile phone commercial begins with the crowd rallying behind an inspirational speaker. Supporters hold signs that read ‘change.’ The company E-mobile says it is a nod at the worldwide popularity of U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama but here’s the problem — the speaker at podium is a monkey.”

“The president of E-mobile insists the firm simply had no idea. He points out the company’s mascot is a monkey, an animal revered in japan and used in previous E-mobile ads.”

“The company says it’s received no complaints from its Japanese customers but it still pulled the ad after a complaint from the group in our story and a call from CNN.”

This video is from CNN’s American Morning, broadcast July 2, 2008.

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