‘Slap Rihanna’ ad on Snapchat brings outrage, apologies

LOS ANGELES — An ad on Snapchat asking users if they’d rather “Slap Rihanna” or “Punch Chris Brown” has spawned widespread outrage, including from the singer herself.

Rihanna, who Brown was convicted of assaulting when she was his girlfriend in 2009, posted a statement on her Snapchat and Instagram accounts saying the ad intentionally brings shame to domestic violence victims.

A spokesman for the visual-messaging app said in an email Thursday the ad was “disgusting” and a “terrible mistake.” It was for a mobile video game called “Would You Rather,” which is now blocked from advertising on Snapchat.

Rihanna says in a statement that Snapchat can throw away its apology.

Snapchat said most of its advertising is bought through a self-service platform but is subject to review, and it is investigating how the ad got through.

Associated Press