National Football League

Company apologizes for Stamos ad

Published Feb. 6, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The company behind a Super Bowl ad starring John Stamos issued an apology late Monday after being caught in a brewing copyright fight with a top Australian band.

Oikos Greek Yogurt posted the apology on Facebook after angry John Butler Trio fans flooded the company's page to complain that the advertisement contained a virtually identical riff to the tune at the start of 2003 hit "Zebra."

"A question about the music in our Super Bowl commercial has been brought to our attention. We are working to fully understand and address the situation. We apologize for any concerns this has caused John Butler Trio's band members and fans," the message read.

The ad, which features TV smooth guy Stamos being headbutted by a woman as they compete for the yogurt, aired to more than 111 million Super Bowl fans Sunday.

The record Super Bowl audience made it the most-watched program in US history.

John Butler Trio's management confirmed they are looking into the matter after outraged fans alerted them on Twitter.

"Thank you everyone for making us aware of the Oikos Greek yogurt TV ad that aired during the Super Bowl featuring a song that sounds extremely similar to Zebra," the tweet from JBT MGMT read.

"John Butler and his management were not aware of this usage . . . and we will be seeking advice as how to address the issue."