NEW YORK CITY — A Texas mattress commercial posted on Facebook this week asked its viewers, “What better way to remember 9/11 than with a twin tower sale?” In the commercial, which was posted to YouTube on Sept. 8, a Miracle Mattresses spokeswoman stands in front of two towers of mattresses of various sizes that she explains will be sold for the price of a twin. The woman then raises her arms, pushing two men who stand behind her into the tower of mattresses which topple to the ground.She screams as the towers fall, then turns back to the camera and smiles. “We’ll never forget,” she says. The commercial was immediately criticized, including by James Oddo, Borough President of Staten Island where many 9/11 victims lived. Here it is, folks. We can say w/ metaphyscial certitude this is the clearest definition to date of "fucking stupid" https://t.co/4copgELUcK — Jimmy Oddo (@HeyNowJO) September 9, 2016 The San Antonio company posted the video to its Facebook page on Sept. 8, but it was quickly removed and followed by an apology from Miracle Mattress owner Michael Bonanno.
Bonanno claimed he had been unaware that the commercial would be posted and promised responsible employees would be reprimanded. “I am disgusted such a video would have been conceived as a promotional tool,” wrote Bonanno. “The video is tasteless and an affront to the men and women who lost their lives on 9/11.” Bonanno was not the only person disgusted by the video. Miracle Mattress, which is located in San Antonio, Texas, exploited 9/11 for a sale of mattresses in a commercial. — Nolle Prosecco (@MotionToLawl) September 9, 2016 Shame on you for making light of 9/11 to sell your products. Why do you think it's so funny?? — Cindy Overman (@ceejay425) September 9, 2016 @MiracleMattress you should donate your entire inventory to veterans, homeless vet shelters and orphanages. — Devon (@Chewies2nddad) September 9, 2016 You deserve a better night’s sleep so hurry into Mattress Mania today, you’ll find the best prices from the best manufacturers…
Remember, our certified sleep consultants at Mattress Mania are here to help you find your perfect mattress! *see store for details Twin or Full Available 1 Year Non Pro. Comes in All Sizes Classic 5″ Twin Mattress ON SALE NOW $189 ER Chiro Pedic 7″ 10 Year Non Pro. Body Flex Twin Mattress 10 Year Non Pro. *these prices are for TWIN mattresses only.Additional cost for any other size including TWIN XL. 7″ Memory Foam Mattress AND Motto Wired Adjustable Base, QueenSAN ANTONIO — A Texas mattress company released an ad to promote a special 9/11 sale, but it quickly took an offensive turn when the employees imitated the World Trade Center Twin Towers falling. Miracle Mattress posted the ad on Facebook for its “Twin Towers Sale” on Sept. 11, The Dallas Morning News reported. In the video, which has since been deleted, Miracle Mattress manager Cherise Bonanno is heard saying “What better way to remember 9/11 than with a Twin Tower sale?”
Bonanno goes on to describe the deals shoppers can score as two men and two towers of mattresses stand behind her. At the end, she pretends to fall on the men, who then knock down the twin mattresses. “We’ll never forget,” Bonnano says at the end after shrieking in panic. Many people were outraged by the 20-second ad that used 9/11 as a promotional tool. On Thursday morning, Miracle Mattress posted an official apology on Facebook and said customers may post their “opinions and reactions to respect an open and transparent discussion regarding the video that caused much embarrassment and anger.” The post garnered more than 500 comments, with majority of people saying the apology was unacceptable and not enough to smooth over the situation that poked fun at a tragic day in history. “I find it hard to believe you knew anyone or any of your employees knew anyone who lost their lives in 9/11! If that were the case they would have been so disgusted with your commercial that it would have never seen the light of day!
You should be ashamed!!!!!” one woman wrote. “You’re sorry you offended me? That’s not an apology I accept. Apologizing for creating it in the first place would be a start. Admitting you were WRONG for creating it is another step. There will never be an appropriate time to mock 9/11, and to do it to promote mattress sales?! Are you kidding me? Have some self respect,” another said. Hours later, the mattress company released another formal apology letter in response to the choir of complaints from the initial attempt. This time, it was written by Miracle Mattress owner Mike Bonanno and addressed to “All the Victims and Families of 9/11.” Below is an excerpt of the letter: “I say this unequivocally, with sincere regret: the video is tasteless and an affront to the men and women who lost their lives on 9/11. Furthermore, it disrespects the families who lost their loved ones and continue to struggle with the pain of this tragedy every day of their lives.
All I can say is I am deeply sorry and on behalf of the entire Miracle Mattress family, I accept full responsibility for this thoughtless and crude advertisement and will immediately hold my employees accountable for this serious lapse of decency.” I am disgusted such a video would have been conceived as a promotional tool and even more incensed it was created and posted on any social media site that represents Miracle Mattress.”SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Miracle Mattress has announced they are closing a store in San Antonio following the backlash over a 9/11 'Twin Tower sale.' Miracle Mattress posted the video on Facebook for its "Twin Towers Sale." In the video, which has since been deleted, Miracle Mattress manager Cherise Bonanno is heard saying "What better way to remember 9/11 than with a Twin Tower sale?" "We'll never forget," Bonnano says at the end of the video after shrieking in panic. The company's owner, Mike Bonanno, posted a statement on the store's Facebook page on Friday apologizing for their actions and announcing that the store would be closing "indefinitely."