Business News
Toys ‘R’ Us Slammed for Selling ‘Breaking Bad’ Dolls With Faux Bags of Meth
Parents are outraged over the toy chain's bizarre decision to sell drug-dealing action figures.
By Laura Entis
Controversies | Page 5
Business News
SeaWorld, Southwest Airlines Terminate Partnership Amid ‘Blackfish’ Fallout
While the companies chalked it up to 'shifting priorities,' the announcement comes on the heels of widespread urgings by animal activists.
By Geoff Weiss
Online Presence
Facebook Says Cheerleader’s Chilling Hunting Photos Violate Its Community Standards
Facebook has scrapped graphic images showcasing Kendall Jones' hunting conquests -- but not in response to public outcry, the company claims.
By Geoff Weiss
Building a Business
Open Carry Controversy: Businesses’ New Rock and a Hard Place
Before your company takes a side on a controversial issue, consider these three things.
By Peter Gasca
Thought Leaders
Oh, Snap — Evan Spiegel ‘Mortified’ by Vulgar Frat Emails
"If I hear one more freshman tell me how much they love Kappa Sigma," wrote Snapchat's 23-year-old founder (in one of his milder moments), "I'll probably get so excited I'll punch them in the face."
By Geoff Weiss
Building a Business
Diet Coke Campaign Fizzles After Consumers Mock ‘You’re On Coke’ Snafu
Diet Coke's new ad was looking to target a young, professional demographic, but after bloggers teased the beverage giant about a possible drug reference, the campaign, well, went flat.
By Geoff Weiss
Thought Leaders
‘Fit Mom’ on Strategizing After Online Backlash
One fitness entrepreneur explains how she's using controversy – and a calm, steady hand -- to build a fitness movement.
Marketing
Lululemon Messes Up… Again
'You always hear the phrase that any PR is good PR. What we learned is that's not always the case,' the athletic clothing company's CFO admitted.
By Laura Entis
Human Resources
How A&E Ducked the Duck Dynasty Controversy
A&E suspended Phil Robertson from its most popular show over comments he made about homosexuality. In doing so, it missed an opportunity to let its customers decide.
Entrepreneurs
The Man Behind the ‘Bible of Bro Culture’
Rude, crude, sexist and often mean-spirited, David Portnoy's Barstool Sports has become a go-to for young men. But can Portnoy continue to cash in on controversy?
By Jason Ankeny
Marketing
Could Rolling Stone’s Boston Bomber Cover Be a Smart Marketing Move?
For better or worse, controversy can draw attention to your brand.
By Jason Fell
Building a Business
Fracking Boom Divides Small Businesses
While some small companies benefit from the growth of fracking, a controversial oil- and gas-extraction process, critics fear it could do more harm than good.
Building a Business
Inside the Mind of Go Daddy’s Controversial Founder
Bob Parsons on his unapologetic approach to business and life.
By Teri Evans