Want an easy $10? Just say you drank a Red Bull sometime in the last 12 years.
Anyone thinking they were drinking something that would take them to the limits of their energy level … well, it’s still possible, I suppose.
But a newly-settled lawsuit means the makers of Red Bull maybe need to temper certain claims in their ads, no matter how far-fetched they seem.
RED BULL COMMERCIAL SPOKESMAN: “Red Bull gives you wings.”
The $13 million proposed settlement was first reported a couple of months ago, and you can now sign up for a $10 cash reimbursement or $15 worth or Red Bull at Energydrinksettlement.com. A final approval hearing is set for May of next year with the cash getting sent out after that.
No, lawyers didn’t claim people injured themselves trying to fly or were disappointed they didn’t get actual wings… though that has been parodied more than once on YouTube.
The plaintiffs claimed the drink only provides caffeine for energy, and ingredients like guarana give no added benefit over anything else with caffeine in it.
The lawsuit also cited the wings slogan, commercials with extreme sports athletes and the annual Flugtag homemade, human-powered flying machines as reasons the brand oversold its own benefits. (Video via Red Bull & YouTube / Elephant Pancakes)
The company previously told BevNET, “Red Bull settled the lawsuit to avoid the cost and distraction of litigation. However, Red Bull maintains that its marketing and labeling have always been truthful and accurate, and denies any and all wrongdoing or liability.”
But the settlement might not be what everyone hoped for. Remember, $13 million is the cap and enough people trying to claim their money means each individual payout will shrink. So … share this story wisely.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
