The esteemed proprietor of Lee Harvey’s, a well-regarded local establishment in the Cedars neighbourhood, Mr. Seth Smith, recently had the honour of seeing his establishment featured in a 60-second advertisement during the Super Bowl. The advertisement, created by a group known as He Gets Us, depicted various acts of foot washing, symbolising Jesus’ humble act of washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. Additionally, a shorter spot titled “Know Your Neighbor” showcased a diverse group of individuals, including a man smoking at Lee Harvey’s, a transgender individual, and a person with distinctive facial piercings.
The thought-provoking advertisements, conceived by the newly established non-profit organisation Come Near and its CEO, Mr. Ken Calwell, have sparked considerable discussion. Considering that a 30-second commercial slot during the Super Bowl commands a staggering £7 million, it is evident that the ad campaign was a substantial investment.
However, it is essential to note that an in-depth inquiry into He Gets Us has revealed controversial connections to The Signatry, an initiative supported by billionaire David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby. Hobby Lobby is renowned for taking firm religious stances and has been involved in legal disputes over issues such as insurance coverage for contraceptives and the rights of transgender employees. Moreover, The Signatry made a donation of £50 million to the Alliance Defending Freedom, an organisation labelled as an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Despite He Gets Us’ contentious history, the organisation has made statements on its website expressing a welcoming and inclusive stance towards the LGBTQ+ community, emphasising the significance of unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness.
In the wake of the airing of the commercials, Lee Harvey’s garnered significant attention on social media, with divergent reactions from the public. Some individuals expressed eagerness to visit the well-known bar, while others voiced apprehensions about its association with a polarising advertisement campaign.
In light of the controversial implications, criticisms, and public reactions, attempts were made to secure a comment from Lee Harvey’s, but a response has not yet been received.
The inclusion of Lee Harvey’s in the enigmatic Super Bowl advertisements has stirred a debate about the intersection of commercial advertising, religious symbolism, and social inclusivity. The impact of the ad campaign, with its substantial financial backing and contentious affiliations, continues to provoke discussions and elicit diverse opinions on the intersection of faith, messaging, and public perception.
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