Aflac, Controversial comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried has been fired from his longtime job as the voice of the Aflac Duck in TV commercials.
The insurance giant severed ties with Gottfried Monday after controversial series of tweets about the massive earthquake and tsunami that destroyed many parts of Japan last week.
Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said In a statement released today that Gilbert's recent comments about the crisis in Japan were lacking in humor and certainly do not represent the thoughts and feelings of anyone at Aflac.
Zuna added that, "Aflac Japan -- and by extension Japan itself -- is part of the Aflac family. There is no place for anything but compassion and concern during these difficult times."
Gottfried has been the voice of the duck (though not in Japan) for over a decade. A nationwide casting call is now reportedly underway to find a replacement.
It's not the first time Gottfried has caused offence with his sense of humor. Three weeks after the September 11 attacks he was booed at a Friars Club roast of Hugh Hefner after he appeared to make light of the tragedy.
The insurance giant severed ties with Gottfried Monday after controversial series of tweets about the massive earthquake and tsunami that destroyed many parts of Japan last week.Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said In a statement released today that Gilbert's recent comments about the crisis in Japan were lacking in humor and certainly do not represent the thoughts and feelings of anyone at Aflac.
Zuna added that, "Aflac Japan -- and by extension Japan itself -- is part of the Aflac family. There is no place for anything but compassion and concern during these difficult times."
Gottfried has been the voice of the duck (though not in Japan) for over a decade. A nationwide casting call is now reportedly underway to find a replacement.
It's not the first time Gottfried has caused offence with his sense of humor. Three weeks after the September 11 attacks he was booed at a Friars Club roast of Hugh Hefner after he appeared to make light of the tragedy.
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