Delta Airlines apologized for two controversial photos that the company posted on its Twitter account congratulating the United States soccer team on its 2-1 World Cup victory over Ghana.
The post included a picture of the Statue of Liberty and a giraffe - an animal that doesn't actually live in Ghana. This led critics to accuse the airline of racism and ignorance. Delta officials eventually removed the images, and said they are making sure all photos in the future represent the company's values.
"Congrats team #USA! Nice goal #USAvGHA #USMNT #DeltaSEA," the airline first posted.
Delta subsequently issued its apology on Twitter.
"We're sorry for our choice of photo in our previous tweet. Best of luck to all teams," the message read.
Soon after, the airline issued an official follow-up statement.
"Last night, we posted a congratulatory message on Twitter and Facebook to the U.S. soccer team on its win in a World Cup game. The message used an image of a giraffe to represent Ghana. The image was both inaccurate and inappropriate," the release read. "As a global airline, we understand the role images play in shaping global perceptions. We also recognize our responsibility to create messages that are both accurate and inclusive. We take this responsibility seriously. Yesterday, we failed to meet this responsibility. For this, we sincerely apologize."
Critics took to Twitter to express their views about the airline's incorrect post.
"No giraffes in Ghana - maybe you should have asked the experts in giraffe conservation!" the Giraffe Conservation Foundation tweeted.
"I'm sorry' isn't quite enough; you need explain what happened and how you'll fix it. Your ignorance insulted MILLIONS!" added Twitter user Cederic McCay.
