The Philadelphia Eagles are taking action to remove a series of fake political advertisements that have surfaced around the city, falsely suggesting an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
In a statement released on Monday through their social media channels, the Eagles clarified the situation: “We are aware counterfeit political ads are being circulated and are working with our advertising partner to have them removed.”
The Philadelphia Eagles said they didn’t cosign the political artwork and are working to remove the fake ads. https://t.co/ZIE40sVyP1
— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) September 3, 2024
These deceptive ads come in the midst of a heated election season, with Harris running as the Democratic nominee in the upcoming November 5 general election against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump.
One of these counterfeit ads, as seen in images shared on social media, was posted at a bus stop in Philadelphia. The ad features a cartoonish depiction of Harris in profile, donning an Eagles football helmet and holding a football. Prominently displayed above her is the Eagles logo with “Kamala” in bold, white letters, followed by the claim: “Official candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Adding to the confusion, the ad includes a link to the official Philadelphia Eagles website, which is dedicated to encouraging voter registration. However, this site, PhiladelphiaEagles.com/vote, does not endorse any political candidate or party. Instead, it provides resources and information for fans in Pennsylvania to locate polling stations, request ballots, register to vote, and participate in elections.
🚨 | Philadelphia Eagles supporter plugs Kamala Harris’ fake political ads
👉 The man claimed he was taking these steps to protect the integrity of the Pennsylvania election pic.twitter.com/BiGBgrSwmB
— VOZ (@Voz_US) September 3, 2024
The fake ad’s presence has been specifically noted in West Philadelphia, at the intersection of Walnut and 34th Streets, near the University of Pennsylvania, according to the bus stop ID number visible in the circulated image.
The Eagles’ involvement in civic engagement is not new. In 2020, the NFL, in partnership with the NFL Players Association, launched the NFL Votes initiative. This non-partisan effort aims to promote civic involvement among NFL players, alumni, club and league staff, and fans.
Key Points:
i. The Philadelphia Eagles are working to remove fake political ads in the city that falsely endorse Kamala Harris.
ii. These ads misleadingly use the Eagles logo and reference Harris as their “official candidate.”
iii. The official Eagles website does not endorse any political candidate but provides voter registration resources.
iv. The counterfeit ads were spotted at a bus stop in West Philadelphia, near the University of Pennsylvania.
v. The NFL Votes initiative encourages civic engagement across the league in a non-partisan manner.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
