Sports Illustrated South Africa Distances Itself From Hitlery Ad Campaign

Remember that rather gauche Sports Illustrated South Africa? The one with Der Führer getting the ol' SI jinx dropped on his head? Well, the magazine now claims it didn't like the ads, either.

Craig Ross, group publisher of SI South Africa, sent us this statement:

Several months ago, Saatchi and Saatchi SA presented this campaign concept to our staff and it was immediately dismissed for its for its lack of proper judgment and insensitivity. Without our knowledge or consent, these storyboards were entered into an industry contest and published on that contest's website.

Well, that makes sense. This is the Sports Illustrated brand we're talking about, and as you know, Sports Illustrated covers never, ever lack for sensitivity or proper judgment.

EARLIER: Sports Illustrated South Africa