New Zealand Police have issued an apology after a tweet about road death victims was widely condemned as 'insensitive' and 'tone-deaf'. The official account posted a message alongside a GIF of Steve Carell from the American version of The Office, reading: 'When we have to tell someone their family member has died in a crash.'
Social media users were quick to criticise the post, with one labelling it a 'social media fail of the week' and another describing it as 'staggering' that anyone thought it appropriate. The tweet was swiftly deleted, and the force later apologised, explaining that the intention was to highlight the difficulty officers face when delivering such news.
Despite the backlash, some praised the police for their rapid response and willingness to apologise. One user tweeted: 'Thinking of the social team at New Zealand Police today. A bad call but good on you for being upfront and apologising as soon as possible.'
