The trend: Super Bowl ads have long been a high-stakes game for brands, offering unmatched visibility but also the risk of backlash.

• While some companies embrace controversy to drive engagement, others find themselves in hot water for ads that miss the mark.
• Major brands like Snickers, Nationwide, and 84 Lumber have faced criticism over the years for commercials deemed offensive, insensitive, or politically divisive, notes AdWeek. The question remains: When does controversy fuel brand awareness, and when does it cause lasting damage?