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Arts & EntertainmentAdvertising

Buffalo Wild Wings drops comedian from ads after 9/11 lie

By
Benjamin Snyder
Benjamin Snyder
Managing Editor
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By
Benjamin Snyder
Benjamin Snyder
Managing Editor
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September 18, 2015, 12:10 PM ET
Stephen Rannazzisi
Stephen Rannazzisi attends the premiere of 'The League' and 'You're The Worst' at Regency Bruin Theater on September 8, 2015 in Westwood, California. Photograph by Tibrina Hobson — Getty Images

Comedian Steve Rannazzisi, who stars in FX’s The League, recently admitted to lying about escaping from the World Trade Center during 9/11, and the brands he works with are not thrilled.

Fast food chain Buffalo Wild Wings has dropped the comedian from its video ads as a result of the debacle. “Upon careful review, we have decided to discontinue airing our current television commercials featuring Steve Rannazzisi,” a Buffalo Wild Wings spokesperson told Adweek.

The ad spots, which were created by TBWA\Chiat\Day in Los Angeles, have also been taken down from the brand’s YouTube channel.

Comedy Central has also reportedly said it’s reconsidering its relationship with Rannazzisi.

Rannazzisi admitted to lying about being at the Trade Center when it was attacked after the New York Times confronted him with evidence calling his account into question. “I was not at the Trade Center on that day,” he said in a statement. “I don’t know why I said this. This was inexcusable. I am truly, truly sorry.”

About the Author
By Benjamin SnyderManaging Editor
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Benjamin Snyder is Fortune's managing editor, leading operations for the newsroom.

Prior to rejoining Fortune, he was a managing editor at Business Insider and has worked as an editor for Bloomberg, LinkedIn and CNBC, covering leadership stories, sports business, careers and business news. He started his career as a breaking news reporter at Fortune in 2014.

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