Billy Eichner blasts Capital One ad for ripping off his show
Comedian Billy Eichner is acting more irritated than normal. At issue is a new Capital One ad that has the comedian claiming the bank has “ripped off” his show, “Billy on the Street.”
The ad in question, seen below, imitates his style of accosting strangers in the street with pop culture questions and quizzing them. In this case, however, it’s hosted by comedian Ross Matthews who asks people about the benefits of Capital One credit cards and closely mimics Eichner’s frantic mannerisms.
It’s time for street trivia! Hint: @helloross has some trick questions up his sleeve.https://t.co/SMJDruUako
— Capital One (@CapitalOne) June 16, 2016
Eichner took notice, accusing the brand for stealing his format that he’s turned into a popular cable show on truTV, pointing people to a typical segment of his. “Yet another Billy on the Street ripoff. I usually ignore but this one is SHAMELESS and PATHETIC. (And not funny),” he tweeted.
He later took a shot at Matthews and Capital One, using more pointed words:
Hey @CapitalOne & @helloross – don’t steal from my fucking show. This is stolen intellectual property. FUCK YOU. #GoodbyeRoss
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) June 17, 2016
Matthews responded, noting that man-on-the-street style interviews aren’t exclusively under Eichner’s jurisdiction:
.@helloross Perhaps u didn’t but ur new friends @CapitalOne certainly did as they reached out to my agents about this campaign. HAPPY PRIDE.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) June 17, 2016
Eichner’s fans took notice too, slinging similar comments towards the brand and Matthews. “Do you love Billy on the Street? Do you wish it was turned into a shitty commercial? Have we got news for you!,” a fan tweeted at Capital One. Another mused: “Hacky ripoff.”
Capital One didn’t respond for comment about Eichner’s accusations.
More in Marketing
What TikTok’s e-commerce launch could mean for marketers and content creators
TikTok has officially launched its new e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, earlier this month on August 1. Using the new e-commerce platform, brands and creators can sell products directly on the platform, potentially creating new revenue streams, and tap into the short-form video platform’s growing popularity.
‘The influencer industry can be really vile’: Confessions of an influencer marketer on the industry’s unfair hiring practices
While the influencer industry might sound exciting and like it’s full of opportunities, one marketer can vouch for the horrific scenarios that still take place behind the scenes.
Digiday+ Research: Marketers said revenue grew in the last year, with more growth expected ahead
After a tumultuous 12 months, marketers are getting a clear picture of how they really did during a time of true uncertainty. And, as it turns out, it wasn’t all that bad.
Ad position: web_bfu