Google pulls controversial Gemini AI ad from Olympics following backlash

Google has decided to pull its "Dear Sydney" ad from Olympic coverage after facing widespread criticism.

The 60-second commercial featured a father using Google's Gemini AI to write a fan letter on behalf of his daughter to her Olympic idol US track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Instead of highlighting the heartfelt, personal nature of fan letters, the ad showed the father relying on AI to compose the message.

The ad drew significant backlash on social media, with many viewers arguing it undermined the personal connection and vulnerability that make fan letters special. Critics also pointed out that the ad promoted taking the easy way out rather than encouraging self-expression.

In response, Google acknowledged the negative feedback, stating that the ad was intended to demonstrate how the Gemini app could serve as a "starting point" or "thought starter" for writing.