Comedian Billy Eichner is acting more irritated than normal. At issue is a new Capital One ad that has the comedian claiming the bank has “ripped off” his show, “Billy on the Street.”
The ad in question, seen below, imitates his style of accosting strangers in the street with pop culture questions and quizzing them. In this case, however, it’s hosted by comedian Ross Matthews who asks people about the benefits of Capital One credit cards and closely mimics Eichner’s frantic mannerisms.
It’s time for street trivia! Hint: @helloross has some trick questions up his sleeve.https://t.co/SMJDruUako
— Capital One (@CapitalOne) June 16, 2016
Eichner took notice, accusing the brand for stealing his format that he’s turned into a popular cable show on truTV, pointing people to a typical segment of his. “Yet another Billy on the Street ripoff. I usually ignore but this one is SHAMELESS and PATHETIC. (And not funny),” he tweeted.
He later took a shot at Matthews and Capital One, using more pointed words:
Hey @CapitalOne & @helloross – don’t steal from my fucking show. This is stolen intellectual property. FUCK YOU. #GoodbyeRoss
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) June 17, 2016
Matthews responded, noting that man-on-the-street style interviews aren’t exclusively under Eichner’s jurisdiction:
.@helloross Perhaps u didn’t but ur new friends @CapitalOne certainly did as they reached out to my agents about this campaign. HAPPY PRIDE.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) June 17, 2016
Eichner’s fans took notice too, slinging similar comments towards the brand and Matthews. “Do you love Billy on the Street? Do you wish it was turned into a shitty commercial? Have we got news for you!,” a fan tweeted at Capital One. Another mused: “Hacky ripoff.”
Capital One didn’t respond for comment about Eichner’s accusations.
More in Marketing
Why brands are running to Strava
Starbucks announced a nationwide partnership with fitness app Strava, asking participants to walk 22 minutes a day for at least 10 days.
Tariffs forced Temu to slash its U.S. ad spend on nearly every platform
The Chinese e-commerce giant traded upper-funnel reach for high-intent shoppers — and still grew its user base.
Why DSW and other brands are pivoting back to ‘old’ marketing tactics
Amid AI and digital saturation, DSW is shifting ad spend to real-life activations and traditional media to deepen customer connections.