ESA threatens Kotaku over “Yo Momma” shirt

Alright, this news is actually a few days old and you guys have probably heard of it already, but just in case you haven’t, we’ll feature it here on QJ as well.

So. The ESA (Entertainment Software Association) is on Kotaku’s case ‘cuz they featured a wickedly funny t-shirt made by one smart-assed fella. What’s so special about the shirt? Well, it’s a spin-off on the ESRB‘s rating system, and a hilarious one at that.

As you can see from the image on the right, the shirt says “Your Mom’s Rated E for Everyone.” Funny right? But apparently the ESA didn’t find it the least bit funny ‘cuz they’re demanding that Kotaku take down the post that contains this controversial shirt.

ESA then emailed Kotaku, explaining that their panties are all in a twist (well no, they didn’t exactly say that) because (and we quote):

The rectangular box design and tag line on the t-shirt is virtually identical to the ESRB’s rating in a box design and tag line (hereinafter “rating in a box design”). We believe that this t-shirt ad will result in consumer confusion, and a substantial likelihood that the ESRB certification marks will face tarnishment and dilution.

Kotaku responded by saying that their post was clearly not an ad and that it was merely editorial content. And they refuse to take down their post because the ESA has no control over websites’ editorial content. I can’t speak for the rest of the QJ staff, but personally, I really don’t see the big deal here. I mean, it’s CLEARLY a parody, and it’s not like anyone’s gonna mistake that “rating” for a real ESRB-issued one. Whatever happened to freedom of speech, eh ESA?

Alright, this news is actually a few days old and you guys have probably heard of it already, but just in case you haven’t, we’ll feature it here on QJ as well.

So. The ESA (Entertainment Software Association) is on Kotaku’s case ‘cuz they featured a wickedly funny t-shirt made by one smart-assed fella. What’s so special about the shirt? Well, it’s a spin-off on the ESRB‘s rating system, and a hilarious one at that.

As you can see from the image on the right, the shirt says “Your Mom’s Rated E for Everyone.” Funny right? But apparently the ESA didn’t find it the least bit funny ‘cuz they’re demanding that Kotaku take down the post that contains this controversial shirt.

ESA then emailed Kotaku, explaining that their panties are all in a twist (well no, they didn’t exactly say that) because (and we quote):

The rectangular box design and tag line on the t-shirt is virtually identical to the ESRB’s rating in a box design and tag line (hereinafter “rating in a box design”). We believe that this t-shirt ad will result in consumer confusion, and a substantial likelihood that the ESRB certification marks will face tarnishment and dilution.

Kotaku responded by saying that their post was clearly not an ad and that it was merely editorial content. And they refuse to take down their post because the ESA has no control over websites’ editorial content. I can’t speak for the rest of the QJ staff, but personally, I really don’t see the big deal here. I mean, it’s CLEARLY a parody, and it’s not like anyone’s gonna mistake that “rating” for a real ESRB-issued one. Whatever happened to freedom of speech, eh ESA?