December 3, 2008 17:24

Dr Pepper responds to Guns N' Roses letter over free soda debacle

The drinks company does not apologise to the band

Drinks company Dr Pepper has responded to a letter from Guns N' Roses lawyer last week that demanded an apology for the free drinks promotion intended to celebrate the release of ‘Chinese Democracy’.

“We are disappointed that Gn’R’s lawyers are turning a fun giveaway into a legal dispute,” the group said in a statement according to Rolling Stone. “We simply commented on the delayed release of ‘Chinese Democracy’ and openly encouraged the band to release it before the end of the year. Axl even expressed support for our efforts earlier in the year.”

Dr Pepper promised a free drink to everyone in America if the album came out in 2008, but the overwhelming response in the 24-hours after the offer launched crashed the company’s website and many fans were unable to download the coupon to avail of the free soda.

However, the company then extended the offer online as well as adding a toll-free phone number.

“This was one of the largest responses we have ever received for a giveaway” the statement continued “and we’re happy we were able to satisfy the thirst of so many Dr Pepper fans. We wish Guns n’ Roses the best with their album.”

Last week, Axl Rose's lawyer Alan Gutman wrote to Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc's president and CEO Larry Young, accusing the company of operating an online redemption scheme that was an "unmitigated disaster which defrauded customers".

Gutman demanded that the company extended the period for the offer and called for full-page apologies in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

--By our New York staff.
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