Some in Newfoundland and Labrador are perturbed by a recent commercial featuring a popular folk song from this province, but the company behind it says that was not the intention.
The commercial for home-sharing platform Vrbo depicts nightmarish accommodations—complete with farm animals—while a rendition of “I’se The B’y” plays underneath. The ad serves as a playful dig at the company’s competitors, such as Airbnb.
The commercial does not mention or show iconic Newfoundland and Labrador landmarks and was not shot in the province.
Some from this province have been voicing their displeasure online, saying the advertisement is disrespectful to NL’s culture and rural areas.
A spokesperson with Vrbo says the ad is one of a number in their recent campaign and pokes fun at their competition, not anyone in Newfoundland and Labrador.