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Flipkart's Obituary Ad Sparks Outrage
16 Aug
Summary
- Flipkart used memorial-style boxes with living people's photos.
- The ad's death-related imagery drew sharp criticism online.
- Public figures urged consumers to boycott Flipkart over the ad.

Flipkart has come under fire for a controversial print advertisement used to promote its Freedom Sale. The ad employed obituary-style visuals, featuring photographs and personal details of living individuals placed within memorial boxes. This marketing approach quickly ignited criticism on social media, with many users describing the campaign as insensitive and inappropriate.
Notable public figures also voiced their disapproval, with one prominent author urging consumers to boycott Flipkart over the ad. While the article notes it is unclear if the featured individuals were real and some suggested AI involvement, the core criticism remained the use of death and memorial imagery for sales promotions.
The Flipkart Freedom Sale began on August 8 and was scheduled to conclude on August 16, offering discounts across various product categories. As of August 16, 2026, Flipkart has not issued a public statement regarding the backlash.