Breaking: Wells Fargo Responds to Broadway Outcry; Plus Readers Comment

As reported earlier this morning by BroadwayWorld, the theatre community and other arts professionals reacted in full force on social media in response to a controversial ad (pictured below) run by Wells Fargo that seemed to place careers in the sciences ahead of professional artistic pursuits.

BroadwayWorld reached out to Wells Fargo for comment regarding their position on the advertisement, and their plan to shift their marketing to more inclusive content. Wells Fargo's New Media Department has issued the following as their official position on the controversy:

"Wells Fargo is deeply committed to the arts, and we offer our sincere apology for the initial ads promoting our Sept. 17 Teen Financial Education Day. They were intended to celebrate all the aspirations of young people and fell short of that goal. We are making changes to the campaign's creative that better reflect our company's core value of embracing diversity and inclusion, and our support of the arts. Last year, Wells Fargo's support of the arts, culture and education totaled $93 million."

In addition to the outcry from industry professionals, young artists and fans of the arts were quick to speak out in opposition to the negative marketing and declare their dedication to continuing to support and participate in theatre. See below for reader responses, and let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter!