Porsche’s Controversial Ad Sparks Outrage Over Missing Christian Landmark
Porsche’s recent advertisement celebrating 60 years of its iconic sports cars has stirred up a storm of controversy among Christian audiences. The German company, part of the Volkswagen Group, faced severe backlash after keen observers noticed a glaring omission from the video.
In the ad, as the Porsche 911 speeds past the 25th Abril Bridge, a historic pedestal without its landmark statue, the Cristo Rei (“Christ the King”), can be seen in the background.
This towering statue, standing at 92 feet on a 269-foot base, has been a significant Christian symbol since its construction in 1959. It was intended as a thanksgiving monument to God for sparing Portugal from the ravages of World War II.
The removal of this Christian symbol from the promotional footage didn’t go unnoticed.
Hey, @Porsche , why did you erase the statue of Jesus Christ from your video filmed in Lisbon? pic.twitter.com/VxcfUBrN8D
— Alex B. (@maisumcarneiro) August 5, 2023
Outraged viewers took to social media to express their dismay as the erasure sparked questions about the motivations behind Porsche’s virtual iconoclasm and led to a series of critical comments.
Senior editor at Human Events Jack Posobiec shared his concern, writing, “They aren’t hiding it anymore. They won’t stop until Christ is erased from the world.”
They aren’t hiding it anymore. They won’t stop until Christ is erased from the world https://t.co/9mGC0pLqBC
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) August 6, 2023
The controversial move also disappointed a Gays Against Groomers ambassador from Portugal, who said, “As a proud Lisboeta and a Christian, this is disgusting to me. If you don’t like my country’s culture, don’t f***ing film there @Porsche.”
As a proud Lisboeta and a Christian, this is disgusting to me. If you don't like my country's culture, don't fucking film there @Porsche. 🖕🏼🤬 https://t.co/0YdWjIPeaq
— Rudy 🐦🔥 (@theneonrequiem) August 6, 2023
For Polish lawyer and politician Kacper Płażyński, the omission is an indication that Porsche is advancing Adolf Hitler’s plan to destroy Christianity.
“Progressive Free World.’ Well, @Porsche made a fortune from World War II and the supply of engines for German (slave-built) tanks. Hitler wanted to destroy Christianity. @Porsche sticks to his Nazi roots,” he wrote in Polish.
"Postępowy, wolny świat".
Cóż, @Porsche zbiło fortunę na II Wojnie Światowej i dostawie silników do niemieckich czołgów (budowanych przez niewolników). Hitler chciał zniszczyć chrześcijaństwo. @Porsche trzyma się twardo swoich nazistowskich korzeni 👏 https://t.co/hSi0YqctDk
— Kacper Płażyński (@KacperPlazynski) August 6, 2023
Ricardo Regalla Dias Pinto, chief of staff for the right-wing Portuguese politician André Ventura decided his money will not be going to the brand, tweeting, “For me, @Porsche is not an option anymore!”
For me, @Porsche is not an option anymore!
— Ricardo Regalla Dias Pinto (@dias_pint) August 6, 2023
In response to the uproar, Porsche has issued an apology, admitting that it was a mistake to remove the landmark from the video. Speaking to the DailyMail, they expressed regret for any offense caused and explained that the original film is now available online.
“In an early version of a film created in Europe, the Cristo Rei Statue does not appear. We are truly sorry and can fully understand the hurt this has caused. This film has been removed,” the brand further explained to Fox Business.
https://youtu.be/1JHrhVFVsmk
