ITVcompetitive display of voice has apologized after being called out for asking a bakery to provide free food.
Last week, Get Baked UK, run by Rich Myers, shared an email from a producer, which it initially believed was a “rumour” before realizing the request was “totally real”.
They, along with production company Lifted Entertainment, have since apologized for “any inconvenience caused”.
In the original email, a manufacturer had reached out and asked Get Baked to supply their ‘amazing products’ to be on green room and talent dressing room on The Voice.
The catch was that they were unable to offer anything monetary or otherwise in payment for the goods.
Instead, the producer emphasized ‘exposure’ to presenters and coaches who are ‘very influential’ as well as contestants.
Rich called ITV and Lifted Entertainment a ‘total disgrace’, asking ‘how did we get here’ when he posted on social media.
He said in another post that a company making £350 million in profit by asking for free cake should be made illegal.
The baker hit back at the maker, writing: ‘I have to admit I’m trying really hard not to bite into these things as of late, but in this case I just can’t resist.’
He insisted he was not blaming the person who sent the email, but asked them to tell their ‘boss, boss’s boss and boss’s boss’ to ‘blame’.
Within hours, Rich’s post had gone viral with hundreds of comments from other popular food businesses and disappointed viewers.
Hair care brand Silkie claimed to have received the same email, with Choc on Choc saying they ‘fell for’ the offer in 2020.
In response, ITV emailed him back, which read: “We wanted to get in touch to apologize for any inconvenience caused by our email.
“This was not in line with our usual way of working, nor does it reflect the standards we expect of ourselves. We are truly sorry to have caused offence.’
In a statement to subwayLifted Entertainment said: ‘We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and are contacting Rich Myers directly. Immediate steps have been taken to ensure that this type of request is never made again.’
Posting email to InstagramRich wrote: “You know what, all jokes aside – if ITV stay true to their word here, and this whole thing comes down to them demanding freebies from the independents, then it’s a massive win. Time will tell.’
To his followers, he added: “If you own a freelance business and ITV happen to come knocking, please make sure you let me know. I feel like I’m the new presenter for WatchDog or whatever it’s called.
‘Maybe I’m related to Crime Watch? Either way, I’m here for you.’
Ultimately, Rich accepted the apology as he was “not one to hold grudges”, but warned the company not to do it again.
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