Air Force apologizes for tweet using ‘Laurel vs. Yanny’ meme to promote mission against Taliban

The Air Force on Thursday apologized for an earlier tweet using the “Yanny vs. Laurel” meme to tout the U.S. mission against Taliban forces, saying the post was made in poor taste and is being addressed internally. 

We apologize for the earlier tweet regarding the A-10. It was made in poor taste and we are addressing it internally. It has since been removed.

— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) May 17, 2018

The original tweet referenced a viral audio clip that has divided internet users this week, with some people saying they hear “laurel,” while other users say they hear “yanny.” 

{mosads}“The Taliban Forces in Farah city #Afghanistan would much rather have heard #Yanny or #Laurel than the deafening #BRRRT they got courtesy of our #A10,” the Air Force said in the now-deleted tweet. 

Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White was asked at a press briefing on Thursday whether she thought the tweet’s tone was appropriate. 

She said she would take a look at the post and get back to reporters with a response. 

The Air Force then deleted the tweet. 

The original tweet linked to a report about the deployment of A-10 Warthog attack aircraft over western Afghanistan to fight off Taliban forces besieging the city of Farah.