NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 04: A Peloton stationary bike sits on display at one of the fitness company's studios on December 4, 2019 in New York City. Peloton and its model of on-demand video cycling classes has come under fire after the release of a new commercial that has been criticized by some as sexist and classist. (Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images)
It was the commercial that took the internet by storm and spun up quite the controversy: the Peloton bike, gifted to a woman by her husband.
The ad, centered around a Peloton stationary bike, drew criticism from some viewers for being potentially sexist and out of touch. It was spoofed and criticized on social media and after airing, Peloton stock dropped 9%.
Much of that criticism was focused on actor Sean Hunter, who has since taken the moniker “@peletonhusband” online.
Hunter, who is an elementary school teacher in Vancouver, leaned into the meme this Christmas and bought his real-life girlfriend one of the exercise bikes for Christmas.
“Here’s hoping this goes over better the second time. … Merry Christmas to my actual girlfriend (pls don’t leave me),” he wrote on Instagram.
Peloton responded to the post, welcoming them to the Peloton family.
“Looks like a successful Christmas gift to us! We hope you love it, and we’re so glad you’re a part of the Peloton family!” they wrote.