Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Corporate cock-ups: Ten costly gaffes

Matilda Battersby
Tuesday 09 February 2010 11:11 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

ITV was today fined by a court in Sydney for allowing a rat to be killed and eaten by contestants on reality TV show 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here', a decision which has outraged animal rights activists, raised a few eyebrows and caused the channel to apologise unreservedly.

When big business gets it wrong the repercussions can be huge, not to mention costly. But it can be entertaining too. If executives let something slip, a product hits a clanging note and brand managers fail to avoid unfortunate translations of item names, it can ruin reputations, damage stock prices and stop sales.

Click here or on the image to launch our guide

From claiming that a business "sells crap" to naming a child's bed after a profanity, we look at ten of the most amusing or revealing corporate cock-ups.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in