Power of social media torches Rush Limbaugh advertisers
Will statements from ProFlowers and Carbonite put an end to the stiff criticism it’s facing in connection with Limbaugh’s ‘slut’ comment.
The companies advertised on Rush Limbaugh’s radio show. After Limbaugh called Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke a “slut” for supporting birth control, advertisers started fleeing from the toxic host. ProFlowers and Carbonite stuck by him at first, issuing statements that provoked even more criticism.
The flower delivery site and online data backup company pulled their ads, but they’re still smarting from the PR bruising they suffered on various social media sites.
Fluke appeared at an event organized by Democrats on Feb. 23 and talked about the importance of government-required healthcare plans covering birth control. On Wednesday, Limbaugh called her a “slut,” “prostitute,” and “feminazi,” and suggested she make a sex tape and post it online for everyone to watch.
On Saturday, he apologized for his “insulting word choice.”
The apology has done little to stanch the flow of criticism toward Limbaugh. The same can be said of statements issued by ProFlowers and Carbonite.
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