Why would a Florida based pool salesman be hired on speculation to produce an obviously racist ad for an Alabama law firm? This is a mystery. The law firm advertised in the commercial that, McCutcheon & Hammer, P.C. of Alabama, didn’t self-produce the YouTube spot. They hired Definitive Television to do it.
The spot first got some online attention — at the blog Angry Asian Man and FindLaw, a legal professional’s site, and the only defense of the ad came from Jim DeBerry, the creator of the spot. His defense, “its only satire!” was exactly what you might expect. The Alabama law firm, McCutcheon & Hamner denies any involvement in the production of the commercial.
Along with plenty more of Jim DeBerry’s Asian character, who is cleverly named “Mr. Wong Fong Shu,” Definitive Television has its own redneckish character, Rodeo Roscoe. There’s also a cop, “Officer Billy Doofus,” and a wacky chef, “Chef Bozaboo.” Jim DeBerry’s wife, who plays “Ditzy Misty,” has found a bit more fame. She has starred in an ad for Walmart.
According to Raw Story, after posting his correspondence on the website, Jim DeBerry held a fake press conference in which he had his character “Mr. Wong Fong Shu” respond to the claims of McCutcheon & Hamner.
The firm in a statement to the Above The Law Blog denied any involvement in the production of the video. A cease and desist letter has been sent to Mr. DeBerry and Definitive Television. Mr. DeBerry has refused and the firm is now currently investigating their legal options.
Image Credit: www.thewire.com