Jokes associated with Oscar Pistorius and his murder trial are bound to stretch the limits of good taste, but one in particular set a record.
The Guardian reported that the betting website Paddy Power came up with an ad making fun of the double-amputee sprinter that set a record with advertising watchdog ASA by receiving a whopping 5,525 complaints -- the highest number in UK advertising history.
Reeva Steenkamp family irate over Oscar Pistorius' new privileges in prison
The ad's slogan was the impetus for the ruffled feathers. Paddy Power offered bettors wagering on his murder trial "money back if he walks." The phrase had a double pun, noting his possible acquittal but also serving as a reference to the prosthetics he uses on his legs.
According to Eyewitness News of South Africa, many of the complaints came from people who "were incensed that the advert poked fun not just at disability but at a woman's death."
Prison officials deem Oscar Pistorius minimal risk, increase his privileges
ASA ordered the ad to be pulled immediately - an unusual step, the Guardian reported - saying it "was likely to cause widespread offense."
Valentine's Day marked the two-year anniversary of the shooting death of Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius, saying he mistook her for an intruder, fired four shots through the door of their upstairs bathroom adjacent to their bedroom in their Pretoria home.
Recently, officials at the Kgosi Mampuru II prison, changed Pistorius' status behind bars, giving him more privileges while he is imprisoned. Prison officials maintained that Pistorius represents a minimal risk while behind bars.
The move, however, angered Steenkamp's family. Mike Steenkamp, Reeva's uncle, said prison officials must have forgotten what Pistorius had done.
Controversy also has followed Paddy Power, the Guardian added. In 2010, the website launched an ad that showed a cat being kicked in to a tree by a blind soccer player. That ad was received the most complaints for that year.
Do you think Paddy Power's ad about Oscar Pistorius was in poor taste? Comment below or tell us@SportsWN.
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