Microsoft has pulled out of its Windows 7-related sponsorship deal with Fox and Family Guy creators Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein following a screening of the upcoming episode.
The spin-off show, titled ‘Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show’ apparently contains jokes about the Holocaust, incest and deaf people, leading to Microsoft’s executives not wanting the company to have any association with it.
A statement from Microsoft read: “We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humour of ‘Family Guy’. But after reviewing an early version of the variety show, it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand.”
“We continue to have a good partnership with Fox, Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein and are working with them in other areas,” the Microsoft spokesperson added.
The premise of the sponsorship was to replace an ad segment with actual integration of Windows 7, much like the clip released last week showing Stewie from ‘Family Guy’ trying out the new operating system.
Just a short time ago, Microsoft marketing executive Gayle Troberman told Ad Age: “You’ll see us deeply integrated into the content. You’ll hear how Windows 7 can help you simplify your PC – it’s simple, fast and easy to use.”
By Marie Boran
Photo: ‘The Family Guy’ characters.
