A new ad created by MGM Resorts International after the mass shooting in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 is receiving quite a bit of online criticism.
It is titled "Together We Shine" and is set to the tune of "This Little Light of Mine" by Odetta. The spot shows various images of MGM properties and the lines "Together We Are One," "Together We Rise" and "Together We Shine." It ends with the hashtag #VegasStrong.
WATCH THE AD BELOW
Although the ad was initially praised by many for its message about strength and unity, the tone has since changed.
Many people believe that MGM is capitalizing on the mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of 58 innocent people and they are talking about it on Twitter.
The MGM Resorts #VegasStrong ad seems oddly capitalistic in the wake of a horrific tragedy. Maybe ban guns from your hotels and screen bags.
— G.E. Anderson (@g_e_anderson) October 15, 2017
So that #MGMcommercial... 🤔😑 Using mass shooting as a marketing tool? Bad taste, lacks class, smh
— Madeline Doran (@MadelineMDoran) October 18, 2017
I don't like the #VegasStrong commercial. It's like MGM is trying to advertise their other hotels/make profits off of what happened
— Lauren (@foubellecherie) October 18, 2017
This TV commercial by @MGMResortsIntl co-opting #VegasStrong to promote their damn hotels is absolutely disgusting. https://t.co/BDTJL8Bamx
— David Mayo (@dcmayo) October 18, 2017
i just saw a commercial for MGM Las Vegas using Odetta singing "This Little Light of Mine" AND I HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS. 👀😡😩
— Kevin Allred (@KevinAllred) October 15, 2017
MGM Resorts released the following statement in response to the backlash:
We created this spot to reflect the strength and resilience of Las Vegas, of MGM Resorts, of Mandalay Bay and of all of our employees. The response to the message has been overwhelmingly positive. It reinforces our promise to the world that we’ll remain strong and united in the face of adversity.
