The Philadelphia Eagles are taking steps to remove fake endorsements for Vice President Kamala Harris that have been circulating online in viral videos, as the 2024 election approaches.
The ads in question appeared to show the NFL team endorsing Kamala Harris, with videos and photos of these ads quickly spreading online. After the images went viral on Monday, the Eagles addressed the situation, labeling the ads as “counterfeit.”
“We are aware counterfeit political ads are being circulated and are working with our advertising partner to have them removed,” the team stated in an online post.
Steve Keeley, a reporter for Fox29 in Philadelphia, noted that a spokesperson for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) clarified that the bus shelters where some of the posters were displayed are owned by the city. “SEPTA’s ad spaces are mostly in train stations and on-board buses and trains. So far, we have not heard anything about ads like this appearing on SEPTA property,” the spokesperson added.
Some of the fake ads have already been taken down, leaving blank spaces where the Harris advertisements had been. One of the posters falsely stated, “Kamala, Official candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles,” and provided a link to “philadelphiaeagles.com/vote,” a legitimate Eagles webpage promoting voter participation.
The website offers various resources for those interested in participating in the election process. It includes links to organizations like “Power the Polls” and “Vote 411.” The “non-partisan” advisory council of Power to the Polls is co-chaired by Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and actress Kerry Washington, both of whom spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
“Vote 411” was launched by the League of Women Voters in 2006, according to the website. The organization has a history of supporting left-wing causes, including abortion rights and celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility.