CNN

Peloton says you ‘misinterpreted’ its much-maligned holiday ad

Dec 5, 2019, 6:02 AM | Updated: 6:53 am

(CNN) — Peloton hears the criticism lobbed at that holiday ad. But the company says critics just misread its inspiring message.

The much-maligned spot features a fit woman documenting her progress on a Peloton stationary bike, a gift from her husband. Users criticized the ad’s purported sexism and deafness to the privilege of its subjects in this and previous commercials.

But that wasn’t the company’s intent at all, it says.

“We constantly hear from our members how their lives have been meaningfully and positively impacted after purchasing or being gifted a Peloton Bike or Tread, often in ways that surprise them,” a Peloton spokesperson said in a statement to CNN. “Our holiday spot was created to that fitness and wellness journey.”

“While we’re disappointed in how some have misinterpreted this commercial, we are encouraged by — and grateful for — the outpouring of support we’ve received from those who understand what we were trying to communicate,” the spokesperson said.

 

 

Peloton stock tumbled

The backlash synched up with a significant tumble in the company’s stock.

Peloton stock dipped 9% on Tuesday after several days of gains, a slide that coincided with the company’s decision to lower the price of its workout app, Bloomberg and The Verge reported.

It’s not expected to dent holiday sales, though.

Raymond James analysts said “Peloton has been a meme in the past and it has not hurt trends,” so it’s unlikely the drops will last, CNBC reported.

The company has supporters

Peloton sent CNN three emails from people who said they supported the ad, including one from a man who said he and his wife loved the commercial for the stationary bike and “if we could afford one would absolutely buy one ourselves.”

“There’s nothing wrong with getting your spouse what they want for Christmas as far as I recall,” the email continued. “I honestly think more people would do the same if they could afford to.”

Another viewer wrote that a Peloton bike became her sister-in-law’s “saving grace” after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and couldn’t work out at a gym.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

CNN

Outside of the Yale University Law School is pictured on September 27, 2018 in New Haven, Connectic...

Zenebou Sylla, CNN

Some New England universities, including Yale, break $90,000 barrier for total tuition cost in upcoming school year

(CNN) — Several New England universities and colleges, including Yale, have reached a pinnacle of at least $90,000 for undergraduate tuition and costs starting this fall. Yale University, Tufts University, Boston University (BU), and Wellesley College are among a few private institutions that will top this year’s costs for tuition, housing and other expenses, according to […]

10 hours ago

Doughnuts are displayed for sale at a Krispy Kreme store on February 13, in Austin, Texas. Krispy K...

Ramishah Maruf, CNN

Krispy Kreme doughnuts are coming to McDonald’s

The Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be available nationwide at participating restaurants by the end of 2026, after a phased rollout beginning later this year.

1 day ago

The Federal Trade Commission is investigating TikTok for its data and security practices, two sourc...

Brian Fung and Samantha Delouya, CNN

FTC investigating TikTok over privacy and security

The probe is yet another complication for the social media platform. It's already facing the threat of a potential US ban or a forced divestment from its Chinese parent company.

1 day ago

A hand holds a tablet stamped with "MF," standing for mifepristone....

CNN

Study shows how self-managed abortion became more common, as Supreme Court abortion drug hearing looms

Medication abortion has become increasingly common since it first became available in the United States two decades ago.

2 days ago

People place flowers at a memorial outside Crocus City Hall in Moscow on Sunday following Friday's ...

Sophie Tanno, Eve Brennan, Anna Chernova and Darya Tarasova, CNN

Thousands gather in Russia to mourn victims of concert hall attack

Russia on Sunday held a day of mourning after at least 137 people were killed in a terrorist attack on a concert venue in Moscow.

3 days ago

Demonstrators call for the release of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas during a protest in Tel ...

Abel Alvarado, Ami Kaufman, Mostafa Salem and Becky Anderson, CNN

Israel agrees to US proposal on prisoner-hostage exchange and is awaiting Hamas’ response, CNN analyst says

Israel has agreed to a US proposal on a prisoner-hostage exchange that would release around 700 Palestinian prisoners.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Peloton says you ‘misinterpreted’ its much-maligned holiday ad