Bert and Ernie have been roommates in "Sesame Street" and while that's pretty normal, many have speculated that the two are actually a couple. A company that promotes STD and HIV testing kits decided to use these rumors for one of their campaigns. However, Mately, the maker of the DIY test, must stop using the two puppets as it employed them without permission -- which definitely means trouble brewing ahead.
The Controversial Ad
"Help us take STD Testing out of the Stone Age," Mately wrote on its Facebook page featuring Bert and Ernie. They were holding a set of papers while carefully scrutinizing what seemed to be the result of their test, according to New York Post.
"See Ernie, you've got nothing to worry about, everything is positive!" the snap's caption read. The advertisement also had a link connected to Indiegogo, a fundraising page, as Mately is hoping to gather $500,000 more in donations for the company.
Raising Awareness
Even though "Sesame Street" exerted all efforts to defend their stars as just close pals, Mately still used the brand's image to gain more attention. The company is trying to make everyone aware of the new 20 million STIs discovered by Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington Examiner reported.
"Mately's platform also aims to allow members to privately share their own and view other users' test results via dating apps such as Grindr and Tinder," the company explained. "Giving consumers the option to verify their partner's sexual health status and help to relieve any worries they may have."
'Sesame Street' Warns Mately
Meanwhile, after Mately posted Bert and Ernie's ad, "Sesame Street" ordered the company to take down its photo. "The Mately ad is an unauthorized, unlicensed use of our characters," "Sesame Street's" spokesperson said in a statement, as per Daily Caller.
"We will be contacting Mately and the appropriate parties with a cease and desist letter instructing them to take this down," the representative continued. Mately, on the other hand, respected the series' decision and removed the pictures that features Bert and Ernie.
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