Microsoft has pulled out of a lucrative sponsorship deal, designed to promote the new Windows 7 operating system, with an upcoming Fox Special, featuring "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane.
The software giant was set to be the sole sponsor of the advertisement-free variety-style special, entitled "Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show." However, after viewing a taping of the show, Microsoft decided they no longer wished to be associated with the program.
A statement form Microsoft reads,"We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of "Family Guy." But after reviewing an early version of the variety show, it became clear that the content was not fit with the Windows brand."
According to
Variety, the special features staple "Family Guy" style humor including gags about deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest.
As part of its extensive promotion campaign for Windows 7, the 30-minute special would have seen "Family Guy" characters using the operating system in animated sketches and creators Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein pitching it in front of a live studio audience.
In their statement, Microsoft added that they intend to proceed with the rest of their link-up with Fox, which also features a 12-week tour of college campuses using "Family Guy"-themed events to promote Windows 7.
For their part, Fox have said that they still intend to air the special on November 8, with another sponsor.
