On Wednesday afternoon, AT&T tweeted “never forget” with a photo of a smartphone taking photo of the memorial at Ground Zero where the twin towers used to stand. The tweet went viral instantly and many Twitter users criticized the wireless carrier’s inappropriate nature of trying to use the tweet for advertising purposes, calling it “tacky” and “horrible.”

The tweet was taken down an hour later and an apology tweet was issued. “We apologize to anyone who felt our post was in poor taste. The image was solely meant to pay respect to those affected by the 9/11 tragedy,” the company said on its official Twitter.

Despite the company’s attempt at an apology, it was enough for many Twitter users. Some even attacked on the apology. “The apology is somehow more insulting,” tweeted one user. Another called the marketing strategy a “fauxpology.”

AT&T posted the same message on its official Facebook page, but there were some people defending the company, rather than insulting. The post remained up hours after the tweet was deleted.

What do you guys think? Do you think it’s offensive? Or is it okay? Let us know in the comment section below.

[via CNET, National Post]