Brands face risk of backlash by tweeting about Gord Downie
TORONTO — Fans of rock star, poet and Canadian troubadour Gord Downie began flooding social media with heartfelt tributes as soon as word emerged that the singer had died.
And among their tweets were some that appeared less than heartfelt — messages from corporate brands including Hudson’s Bay and Chevrolet Canada.
One tweet from @hudsonsbay spurred debate for its seeming lack of tact, and was reportedly removed within 30 minutes.
But that was long enough to be captured by the Toronto-based lunchtime tabloid Twelve Thirty Six, which reposted the image that seemed to some like a thinly veiled attempt to hawk denim jackets.