Grey Group Returns Award, Is Kind of a Dick About It ⇥ adweek.com

Courtesy AdWeek, here’s the Grey Group’s statement:

During Cannes we said the app was real and its creator, Grey for Good in Singapore, is a highly respected philanthropic unit that has helped numerous non-profit organizations. Moreover, Grey is one of the most creatively awarded agencies in the world with the highest ethical standards. We won over 90 Cannes Lions this year alone so there is no need for scam projects. However, given the unwarranted, unfair, unrelenting attacks by unnamed bloggers, we are putting an end to this and returning the Bronze Lion so there is not even the hint of impropriety or a question of our integrity. The saying no good deed goes unpunished is apt in this case.

Translation: “We know the app doesn’t really work and we were caught, but we’re such gigantic assholes that we’ll blame those who pointed this out instead of apologizing. Also, we won a shitload of other awards. Please don’t let our complete inability to show contrition affect your next campaign with us.”