Preset factory-installed text messages have come between a Winnipeg couple’s marriage, thanks to Virgin Mobile’s youthful image.
It all began when the 49-year-old’s wife found texts on his cell phone along the lines of, “Booty Call” and “Let’s Do It.” Now the guy is facing the possibility of divorce, as his wife is under the impression he has been cheating on her. Tiger Woods, is that you?
The cell phone — part of Virgin Mobile’s handset fleet — comes with several ‘youthful’ phrases to appeal to the company’s young demographic.
We’re told the man entered the Future Shop store on Regent Avenue recently to return his phone and was sobbing while telling staff what had happened.
Virgin doesn’t deny the messages are on their hardware. Company spokesperson Erica Faltous tells ChrisD.ca, “Virgin Mobile does have a selection of pre-loaded text messages and other content. As a youth brand, we’ve included some of the messages that you might not find with other companies that are meant to be fun and light-hearted. While some singles love to use them, phone owners can always delete the pre-loaded text messages to suit their needs.”
As many of Virgin’s phones are available on a prepaid basis, they’re a very popular choice among teens who don’t want to pay a monthly bill. However, the suggestive texts loaded on the hardware doesn’t sit well with some parents. “It’s putting them in a situation that could get them in trouble,” said Mary Tulski, a Winnipeg parent of a 14-year-old daughter.
There wasn’t any word on whether the couple has since reconciled and sorted out the confusion. Attempts made to contact them were not successful.
UPDATE: Friday, Feb. 5 — Listen to what the man had to say.
