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You’ve almost certainly seen it on your timeline. A screenshot, perfectly cropped for maximum impact, that seems to capture a brilliant moment of corporate sass. The image showcases what looks like a Campbell’s customer service response to a homophobic post, and it’s gone viral for its sharp wit.
On one side, a Facebook user named “Jody” is furious after seeing a Campbell’s Soup ad with two dads, vowing to never buy their “gay soup” again. On the other side is the supposed response from a Campbell’s customer service rep named “Dave,” who delivers a masterclass in sarcastic takedowns.
It’s the perfect internet clapback: a wholesome brand standing up for LGBTQ+ rights. We all shared it, we all loved it, and we all felt a little better about the world.
There’s just one problem. That viral clapback is completely fake.
The Truth Behind the Decade-Old Satire
This screenshot is not a recent event; it’s a piece of digital archaeology from 2015. The witty Campbell’s ‘customer service’ response to the homophobic post is just decade-old satire, created by American comedian Ben Palmer.
Palmer runs a Facebook page called “Hope This Helps,” where his entire schtick is posing as a customer service representative for various companies. He responds to outraged customer complaints with hilariously deadpan and unhelpful replies. The Campbell’s post was one of his most famous creations, designed to mimic a real interaction so perfectly that it has fooled millions over the years.
Why Is This Old Hoax Trending Now?
So, why is a nearly decade-old piece of American satire suddenly flooding feeds from Mumbai to Minneapolis? The answer lies in the anatomy of viral content and our collective desire for brands to do the right thing.
In an era of performative corporate activism, we are starved for genuine moments of allyship. The fake screenshot provides a satisfying, shareable narrative where a big corporation fiercely defends its pro-LGBTQ+ stance against bigotry. The timing is also key; as conversations around Pride Month swell globally, social media algorithms resurface old content that fits the current mood.
For users accustomed to viral misinformation, from WhatsApp forwards to doctored images, this is a familiar tale. An image that evokes a strong emotional response—in this case, righteous satisfaction—is far more likely to be shared than fact-checked.
What the Viral Hoax Says About Us
This isn’t just a story about a funny fake-out. The reason millions shared this post is because it represents the kind of corporate behaviour they wish was the norm. While Campbell’s has genuinely been a pro-LGBTQ+ company (scoring a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for years), this specific, glorious takedown never happened.
The viral spread of Palmer’s satire is a cautionary tale about digital literacy, but it’s also a mirror reflecting our own hopes. We want the good guys to win, and we want them to have the last, witty word.
So, the next time you see that perfect brand response lighting up your feed, take a moment. Appreciate the sentiment, but maybe do a quick search. As for “Dave” from Campbell’s customer service? He may not be real, but the spirit of what he represents—a firm stand against prejudice—is something we can all still get behind.
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