Microsoft Pulls Out of "Family Guy" Gig

On the cusp of its release of Windows 7, Microsoft has pulled out of an unprecedented advertising event.

The software company was going to integrate its brand into a FOX Family Guy special named "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show," which will air on November 8th, right in the heart of sweeps.

After Microsoft executives viewed a live taping of the special, they agreed that this was not the appropriate route to promote their brand and their product. In a statement released by Microsoft, the company stated:

"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 a fit with the Windows brand. We continue to have a good partnership with Fox, (series creator and writer) Seth MacFarlane and (co-star and writer) Alex Borstein and are working with them in other areas. We continue to believe in the value of brand integrations and partnerships between brands, media companies and talent."

The "content" in question supposedly involves jokes regarding deaf people, the Holocaust, incest, and personal hygiene.

FOX still plans to go forward with the special, and is planning to incorporate another brand into the special. The task will not be easy considering much of the content during the live taping revolved around Windows 7.