KFC runs parody advert of Mick Fanning shark attack
Mick Fanning's mother has spoken out against a new KFC advert parodying his lucky escape from a shark attack in South Africa.
The professional surfer's mother, Elizabeth Osborne, says the advert is disrespectful to her son and any other person that has experienced a shark attack.
See also: Mick Fanning attacked by great white shark on live TV
See also: Shark attack saves man's life after cancer discovered
Osborne was watching from the shore as Mick was attacked by a great white shark during a surfing competition in South Africa in July.
The incident was caught on camera and was seen on live TV. Mick miraculously managed to escape without any injuries.
The scene has now appeared to have been parodied in a promotion for KFC South Africa's "Jacked Up Double Crunch burger", reports the Independent.
It shows a surfer resembling Fanning approached by a shark fin and battling with it before disappearing behind a wave.
In real life, Mick hit out at the shark before being rescued by a jet ski rider.
In the ad, the surfer is seen emerging from the wave holding the shark in the air with one hand.
The advert then says the burger, like the incident, is "next level awesome".
Mick's mother said that both of them were "very upset about it".
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, she said: "I think it is very disrespectful. They've put a lookalike in the video. It really brings back a lot of trauma for everybody who has been attacked by a shark.
"Some families have had fatalities and some people are still absolutely scarred without limbs. It's disrespectful to them and Mick is not at all happy with that."
According to the BBC, KFC South Africa has yet to make any comment, but its Australian counterpart said it was not in agreement with it.
A spokesman told Fairfax: "The advertisement has been produced in South Africa - KFC Australia is very sensitive to the situation in Australia and this is not the type of ad we would choose to show here."
Ms Osborne said that World Surf League was preparing to take legal action to have the ad cut short.
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