The Chicoutimi Saguenéens, more prone to dubious humor, probably did not expect to generate so much discussion after a video aimed at promoting the team's derivative products in their store in the run-up to Christmas.
A rather simple joke, then an unflattering comparison between a cow and a Quebec Remparts fan. What did we expect? Be nominated for the Les Olivier Gala?
• Also read: “Now your blonde has very nice balls”: the Saguenéens of Chicoutimi in hot water
After being contacted by the QMJHL earlier this week, the Saguenéens organization finally realized their mistake and decided to remove the controversial video from their TikTok account.
“It was a mistake,” said QMJHL communications director Maxime Blouin when contacted by the Journal.
“I quickly asked for the video to be removed and the Saguenéens did everything professionally and compassionately,” Mr Blouin explained. Personally, I am a big fan of humorous communication, especially with the new generation, but there are certain topics that are sometimes more sensitive and where we need to be more careful.
The city walls attacked
A clumsiness and probably a slight lack of judgment.
“If we assume that it is the second or third level of TikTok, there is no reproach,” estimated however Serge Proulx, head of operations of the Saguenéens, on TVA Nouvelles. On the other hand, we as an organization have to make adjustments. (…) We will avoid videos like this on a controversial level, that’s for sure.”
“All stakeholders in the QMJHL community should assume that they represent the QMJHL and/or its member clubs at all times,” reads the QMJHL’s social media policy. You should exercise good judgment when using social media.”
There was clearly a lack of good judgment this time. In this video, an employee made certain comments that could be viewed as derogatory. For example, when a cowbell with the same animal was shown to the camera, it was said: “Look, a follower of the Remparts showing you her snout.”
Big balls…
In order to sell Christmas baubles with the image of the Saguenéens, we pushed back the humor once again.
“Your friend has very nice baubles, you think they're perfect, but she wants bigger, new ones… A Christmas bauble from the Saguenéens! It’s blue, it’s round, it’s smooth and it’s perfect.”
The QMJHL's social media policy, now called the Maritimes Quebec Junior Hockey League, calls for disciplinary action for “inappropriate, derogatory, racist or sexist comments.” Nothing has been announced yet, not even a hefty 10-minute fine for bad driving.