Trump-Bashing Pinatas Backfire: Nissan Car Dealer Apologizes; GOP Official Is Fired

Nissan of Van Nuys in California posted a statement on its website apologizing for a Spanish language video ad that showed the dealerships’s general sales manager Martin Cuevas and another man beating a pinata bearing the likeness of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Nissan also issued statements denouncing the ad.

trump beating

nissan apology

“Nissan of Van Nuys would like to apologize for any misunderstanding concerning a spoof “beta” spot which was never approved by upper management and never approved to air. The spot was leaked from our ad agency, The Luca Group, which has already sent a letter apologizing for the breech in security and they are currently taking steps and measures to ensure this situation does not happen in the future. Of course this was never meant to offend anyone. At Nissan of Van Nuys we pride ourselves in being a very diverse organization and we look forward to continuing to offer great service and deals to everyone. Thank you for your continued support.

“Yours truly,
“Barry Wishengrad
“Operating Partner
“Nissan of Van Nuys”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoHqNPFWRms

The video was first reported by The Blaze and picked up by The Gateway Pundit as part of story about violence being encouraged against Trump that included a report about a Santa Fe, New Mexico Republican official who invited the public to beat a Trump pinata hung from a tree at a Spanish market park. The official compared Trump to Hitler for his comments about illegal aliens from Mexico.

Nissan’s statement to The Blaze on Monday differed somewhat from their statement to Advertising Age on Tuesday.

“In a statement sent to The Blaze, Jeannie Whited, senior manager of Nissan Brand Communications, said the company operates as an independent business with more than 1,200 dealerships around the country.

““We expect our dealers to establish advertising that is responsible and respectful and represents the best interest of the Nissan brand,” the statement said. “As a company, Nissan respects the right of both individuals and private businesses to practice free speech in a responsible and respectful manner. In this case, we find these advertisements to be neither responsible or respectful, and we do not condone what they represent.””
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“On Tuesday, in response to the video, Nissan North America released a statement distancing itself from the dealer.
“We find these advertisements to be neither responsible or respectful, and we do not condone what they represent,” Nissan said. “We expect our dealers to establish advertising that is responsible and respectful and represents the best interest of the Nissan brand.”

“Nissan added that it “respects the right of both individuals and private businesses to practice free speech in a responsible and respectful manner.””

AdAge also reported the ad featured a message of Latino supremacy.

“After store managers hit the piñata, Van Nuys General Sales Manager Martin Cuevas declares, “Aqui en Van Nuys Nissan, los Latinos mandan.” (Translation: “Here at Van Nuys Nissan, Latinos rule.”)”

In New Mexico, the Santa Fe Republican Party executive committee voted to remove Ignacio Padilla from his post as secretary on Friday, the same day he held his Trump-bashing pinata event, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

“…county GOP Chairwoman Jo Ann Eastham said Padilla had previously been warned not to go forward with the event. She also said an internal rule requires elected party officers to remain neutral in primary elections, or contests between members of the same party.”

…”The Santa Fe County GOP executive committee voted unanimously during a Friday evening conference call – the same day Padilla held his rally on the Santa Fe Plaza – to strip Padilla of his elected position, Eastham said.

“Earlier Friday, Padilla hung a piñata that he had dressed and painted to look like Trump – complete with fake dollar bills lining his pockets – from a tree on the plaza and encouraged curious passers-by and tourists to take a swing at it.

““We came to the conclusion this had gotten out of hand,” Eastham told the Journal on Monday, adding that many local Republicans had expressed concern over the planned event.”

Both stories have been ignored so far by the national political media.

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Kristinn Taylor has contributed to The Gateway Pundit for over ten years. Mr. Taylor previously wrote for Breitbart, worked for Judicial Watch and was co-leader of the D.C. Chapter of FreeRepublic.com. He studied journalism in high school, visited the Newseum and once met David Brinkley.

You can email Kristinn Taylor here, and read more of Kristinn Taylor's articles here.

 

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