Nike Criticized for Hiring Actuality TV Star With DUI to Play an Amputee Vet in a New Advert

At first look, a brand new Nike advert portraying a army veteran, who’s an amputee, going out for a run together with his canine, who additionally occurs to be an amputee, is strictly the type of inspiring industrial you’d count on from the beloved athletic model. Nevertheless, some individuals who have seen the spot should not feeling Nike’s alternative for the lead position, and they’re letting the model know on-line.

MTV actuality tv star Nelson Thomas performs the veteran within the industrial. Thomas, who’s finest referred to as a forged member on the competitors present “The Problem,” was concerned in a single-car crash in Austin, Texas again in March 2023. In keeping with Web page Six, Thomas was arrested and charged with driving whereas intoxicated after onlookers helped take away him from his burning automobile. After the crash, which left Thomas’ proper foot crushed, he underwent 10 surgical procedures and a stem cell transplant earlier than finally deciding to have his foot amputated in 2024, based on CBS Austin.

You may take a look at the advert, which was posted on TikTok, for your self right here:

Some who’ve seen the Nike advert don’t like that Thomas, who misplaced his foot as a result of he was driving whereas intoxicated is being portrayed as a hero, even whether it is simply an performing gig.

“No hate to Nelson however that is so improper. That is set as much as make it appear like he misplaced it on lively obligation…not in an unlawful automobile accident,” wrote somebody on TikTok.

Others consider the half ought to have gone to somebody who truly served the nation.

“Loads of precise struggle vets that will of been a very good match for this however he may use the paycheck I suppose…,” wrote one other TikTok commenter.  

However some, who’re standing up for Thomas, say they consider he has discovered his lesson and deserves some grace.

“Simply because he was ingesting and driving doesn’t imply he deserves to be [treated] like he’s not HUMAN . He made a mistake that HE HIMSELF PAID FOR yall simply love throwing stones in them glass homes 🙄,” wrote somebody on TikTok.

One other TikTok commenter argued that Nike may have prevented all the controversy by letting individuals know that Thomas obtained paid to play a veteran within the spot.

“Nike ought to’ve accomplished higher. They need to’ve put disclaimer noting this can be a paid actor or they might have casted an actual veteran. imo he doesn’t deserve this, he’s by no means taken accountability. Sure, he obtained paid for a gig however Nike dropped the ball,” they wrote.