This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
JCPenney has yanked down a billboard that attracted (mostly virtual) attention for bearing a resemblance to Adolf Hitler.
The $40 Michael Graves-designed kettle unintentionally looked like a mustachioed führer raising his arm in a salute. JCPenney responded to the online tempest in a teapot by saying that if they wanted a teapot to look like anything, they would have chosen a puppy dog, kitten or snowman...in other words something a little more JCPenney.
JCPenney is taking the billboard down, ABC 7 reported. Not that the item needs the advertising at this point. It looks like the kettle is no longer available, and JCPenney confirmed, tweeting that the kettle was sold out online:
@pattonoswalt Totally unintentional. But they'll need to grab it in stores since it's sold out online. #SadHipsters
— JCPenney (@jcpenney) May 28, 2013
We expect to see many more ironic reviews for Mein Tea Kettle.
