Ad Using Unauthorized Image Of Obama Will Come Down

Yesterday the president of Weatherproof clothing company, Freddie Stollmack, defiantly declared he would not be taking down his company's ad campaign — which includes President Obama on their billboard in Times Square. The unauthorized image shows Obama in one of the company's coats during a visit to the Great Wall in China.

Stollmack likely chose his words to drum up more press, as the billboard is coming down anyway. After the billboard went up this week, White House spokesman Ben LaBolt stated, "The White House has a longstanding policy disapproving of the use of the president's name and likeness for commercial purposes."

According to Fox News, after receiving a letter, "Stollmack spoke by phone to the White House counsel's office Thursday and promised the company would remove the billboard." So, how long til it comes down? Let us know if you still see it out there.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in News on January 8, 2010 12:30 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

My Chia Obama just got nominated for an Academy Award for Best Hair.

CrazyDEX

So then when are they gonna go after these "Obama Condoms" assholes in SoHo. Man they're fucking annoying.

valeriob

"The White House has a longstanding policy disapproving of the use of the president's name and likeness for commercial purposes."
ORLY?
Obama Chia Pet
Obama Ojamas
Obama O's Cereal
Obama Commemorative Plate
Obama Action Figure
Obama Figurine
Obama Bobble Head
Obama Fingers
Obama Fried Chicken and Pizza
Obama Fried Chicken
Obama Deli and Grocery
Obama (Sasha and Malia) Beanie Babies

Should I keep going or can we all agree they need to get back to running the country?

tmz is evil

"ORLY?"

Oh, aren't you cute? You think that laundry listing products that came out BEFORE Obama became president is *proof* that the White House couldn't care less about stuff like this.

Even if for the sake of argument "Obama Fried Chicken" had come out after he became president, on what planet do you think the White House would even be aware of some greasy mom and pop chicken joint out in some low income neighborhood in NYC? You DO understand why *this* ad is getting so much attention, right? It's a huge-ass billboard out in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in the NYC and also one the most well traveled tourist destinations in the world. And the ad is using his picture in a controversial way, which is a far cry from having his name be a part of some fast food dive that probably won't even outlast his presidency.

So RLY-- think before you post ridiculous, smug nonsense like this, which I know is hard for a majority of Gothamist posters, who constantly confuse being snarky and dismissive for being witty.

Politburo

Did you have a point?

tmz is evil

No, he doesn't have a point. He's a typical Gothamist idiot-- just rants the first thing that comes to mind without carefully thinking about the story he's posting to. Just forget him.

valeriob

Yes, we can discuss it further if you'd like. How was the short bus growing up?

tmz is evil

Yes, we can discuss it further if you'd like. How was the short bus growing up?

Why are you asking him? Don't you remember? Or are you still so slow after all these years, you don't remember what it was like being on it yourself as a child?

Just curious.

SeasTooFarToReach

If I send them screenshots, can they stop those stupid "Obama asks Moms to stay in school" banner ads?

robingee

The Obama Asks Moms To Go Back To School banner ads sometimes have a picture of an alien or a shaggy guy with a beard. What the hell is that about.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

What about the Peta Ad? I hope it still says up. Michelle Obama is ugly and ghetto as FelixTheCatSux aka Queen Tee. Queen Tee is just plain disgusting. Wouldn't touch her with a 10 foot pole. typical fur hag- ugly and ignorant.