DHL Apologizes For Using F1 Crash That Left Driver Critically Injured To Build Facebook Likes
Jules Bianchi, a Formula 1 driver from France, crashed his car at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. Later reports said Bianchi was undergoing surgery after sustaining severe head injuries.
Following the accident the "Formula 1 Backstage by DHL" Facebook page told its followers about the crash, with an image of the driver's car. But in a display of poor taste, the post also read: "By clicking 'Like' on this occasion, you'll be sending Jules your best wishes for a speedy recovery," according to a report from Metro.
The post has now been deleted and replaced with an apology, according to The Mirror.
Many of DHL's Facebook fans immediately called the company out, accusing the brand of using the tragic accident to promote the company's social media account and gain more followers.
DHL argues that "taken out of context" the post may seem insensitive, but was only meant to encourage people to like the photo, not the page, and support the injured driver.
Here's the entire apology, posted to DHL's Facebook page: