Magic Johnson Criticized for MJ KFC Story
July 8, 2009 by Sean Kelly
Filed under Business
Magic Johnson is drawing criticism from some who claim he used Michael Jackson’s eulogy to pitch Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
In the post KFC: Paid Plug at Michael Jackson Memorial? I noted that some commenters are alleging that Magic Johnson’s prior ties to KFC prompted him to include a story of Michael Jackson’s love for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Magic’s eulogy at the pop star’s memorial service.
One commenter YouTube wrote:
Shameless advertising! … Magic starred in a KFC commercial in the late 90s… Unbelievable that some people fell for it! This is the beginning of my KFC boycott! Totally disgraceful
The commercial – shown above – was actually from 1991. An 18-year-old commercial is hardly a smoking gun.
If there’s evidence that Magic Johnson was pitching chicken over his friend’s casket as has been suggested, this ain’t it.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? WAS MAGIC JOHNSON’S KFC STORY A CHARMING REMEMBRANCE OR CALCULATED PRODUCT PLACEMENT FOR KFC?
It had to be a plant. Why else would such a product as KFC get a mention at such an event. Alls fair in love and war – and advertising. There is no such thing as bad publicity.
Oh come on, it was sincere. Even the Jackson brothers were giggling before the punch line because they knew he was gonna bring up the story. Besides, Magic’s contract with KFC expired years ago, he has absolutely no obligation to pitch them anymore.
Now if he said “KFC’s Hot & Spicy Recipe Chicken” then, okay, yes it would be a plant.
Ok, I admit I had one fact wrong… it was early not late 90s. But the argument still stands. The ad proves some sort of work cooperation in the past between Magic and KFC. I think that’s enough of a proof. Other contracts as such show that big corporations don’t just use the star for an ad, but will turn him/her into an endorser with any occasion possible, to get a higher effect. Also, I saw that in another article you were saying that a super-star of this caliber and a very powerful multinational wouldn’t go at this level… let’s think a bit at the economic benefits:
The audience was one of the biggest you can get. The credibility (as you can see, we’re debating here) would’ve been far bigger than in an ad or in a much more obvious remark (such as the one Elson suggests). They’ve got communications people there, it wasn’t him who had the idea… of course they tried to make it subtle.
Needless to say, my vote still stays for: clear product placement. Thanks for opening the debate anyway.
RIP MJ, it’s a pity his loss is shadowed by such mercantile events
Magic might have a secret deal with KFC. He may have shared what he was thinking of talking about and some connected agent may have negotiated an endorsement deal. And if it later leaks that he had a deal, Magic could say it was a true story and he is contributing the money to some charity …
What qued me into it being an endorsment deal is the beginning use of “Grilled Chicken”, then following up 4 times with bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC is currently promoting thier new “Grilled Chicken”.
Wasn’t Al Sharpton leading a boycott of KFC a while back? but now…
Now Oprah does the big Grilled Chicken Giveaway on her show. (Rip-off bait and switch fiasco)
And Magic Johnson gives them perhaps the biggest product placement in history.
Concidence? Or has KFC been courting the African American elite?
I doubt it’s luck when business this big is involved.
Leave Michael Johnson alone. I think the story is real. I like the story and do not care what anyone else things. What would Michael say I think he would have said it was just fine. He would have appreciated the realism in the story and the humanity in it all. This is all what Micahel really wanted anyway to be just another joe and Johnson story reflected what Michael wanted most to be humanized and not idealized.
I don’t think Magic would lie in such occasion. RIP MJ!
People, let’s all calm down now. Why don’t we all go to Kentucky Fried Chicken, and talk this out over a bucket of delicious Original Recipe!
:)) yes, humanity, that’s exactly what this story’s about. I’m sure the KFC marketing people are now counting their brand awareness only thinking about the humanity in the story :)