Mercedes Delays Ad Due to Diana Segment

Mercedes-Benz is delaying the debut of its humorous new commercial that parodies the old Ed Sullivan show in deference to Princess Diana, who died two weeks ago of injuries suffered in the crash of a Mercedes. The ad uses digitally doctored TV clips that make it appear that the late variety show host is introducing its new M-Class sport-utility vehicles. Montvale, N.J.-based Mercedes-Benz of North America had bought time on the program “60 Minutes,” which means the commercial would have debuted just minutes before the traditional Sunday starting time for the old Sullivan show. But the auto importer said it was notified late this week that instead of a rerun of an old show, “60 Minutes” would carry segments related to Princess Diana and the British royal family on Sunday.