Apple pulls new Eminem TV spot

Apple has apparently pulled its new iPod commercial featuring rap star Eminem. No reason was given for the withdrawal. The 30-second spot premiered today during Apple CEO Steve Jobs' keynote speech at an Apple special event. The ad features Eminem performing his hit single "Lose Yourself" and was expected to begin airing on television in a week. The commercial takes a new 3D approach to the "silhouette" effect popularized by other iTunes ads. Apple had worked on the ad for over two years, according to Mr. Jobs. "It takes our silhouette campaign up to a whole new level," Jobs said. The ad was well-received by the audience at the keynote, and Jobs even played it twice.

Early last year, Apple had some legal troubles with Eminem. Eight Mile Style, the music publisher for Eminem, filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming it used one of Eminem's songs in a television advertisement without permission. The ad in question was one of the first launched for the iTunes Music Store, and featured a 10-year-old singing "Lose Yourself." The ad initially aired on MTV in July 2003.

In May of this year, Apple and Eminem settled the dispute and Apple agreed to pay the rapper and undisclosed sum.

The new silhouette ad can still be viewed as a part of Apple's video stream of today's event.

In related news, the rapper left rehab today, after receiving two months of treatment for a drug addiction.

Filed under: iPod