This really happened:

Oh no #CNN no no no pic.twitter.com/Mftf9wb57S

— Daren Stoltzfus WESH (@DarenStoltzfus) February 24, 2022

This is how Applebee’s responded:

Applebee’s suspends ads on CNN after spot airs during Russian invasion reports

CNN is facing a wrath of criticism on Twitter after its coverage of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine saw ad Applebee’s ad inserted amidst the reporting. CNN’s live coverage of the Russia’s invasion in Ukraine on Thursday showed air raid sirens blaring in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv when the screen transitioned into a spit screen format to air an ad for Applebee’s. The ad, played to the jingle Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Brand, was played on a larger screen, while the still of the air raid footage remained in the left corner.

According to media reports, Applebee’s has since suspended its ads on the network. In a statement to Forbes, Applebee’s said it has suspended the ads on the network. “When we were made aware that our ad was placed in this manner, we immediately reached out to CNN to pause our advertising on their network,” Applebee’s said in the statement. “It never should have aired, and we are disappointed in the actions of the network.”

It added, “We are deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine.” However, the damage online was done as Applebee’s got dragged into the conversation nonetheless.

Good for them.

CNN royally fucked that up and did damage to the Applebee’s brand.

I hope Applebee’s, the ad agency that created the add, and the Zac Brown Band all hire lawyers to fuck CNN into financial ruin.

Then Kyle Rittenhouse can drive the final nail into their coffin with libel suit.