David Alan Grier’s Twitter bio describes the SNL comedian as a “teller of tall tales.” He lived up to that designation yesterday when he announced he had been picked to play Colonel Sanders in KFC’s new ad campaign–despite KFC having never actually hired him.
That’s right—Grier was just trolling us. In the aftermath of the announcement, several news outlets and blogs picked up on the story and even offered some insightful commentary on a black actor playing a traditionally white character.
Breaking News: David Alan Grier has been cast as the first African American Colonel Sanders in the new KFC ad campaign. #KFC
— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) March 3, 2016
The Huffington Post was one of the first outlets to fall for the hoax, but can you blame them? That tweet looks pretty legit.
“Talk about breaking barriers in the world of fried chicken.
David Alan Grier announced via Twitter on Thursday that his next gig will involve peddling chicken as Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Colonel Sanders for the company’s forthcoming ad campaign — making him the first African-American to command the role.”
HuffPo, of course, has issued a retraction.
“In a statement provided to The Huffington Post, Kevin Hochman, KFC’s chief media officer, said that comedian David Alan Grier’s tweet on Thursday that he had been cast as the chain’s figurehead was a joke.”
By the way, Kevin Hochman let everyone know the company is being a good sport about the joke, telling HuffPo:
“There is no new Colonel Sanders. We are very excited to learn that Mr. Grier is such a big fan of KFC and The Colonel. We’re a big fan of him as well. We hope to continue the conversation with him over a $5 Fill Up.”
Also, props to him for managing to plug a menu item while issuing an official statement. Now that’s marketing.
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