Nando's is facing a spicy backlash after the fast-food company tried to cash in on Schapelle Corby's release from jail on parole.
Corby walked out of Bali's Kerobokan prison and into a media maelstrom on Monday after serving more than nine years for drug smuggling.
"Schapelle, now that you're out, try our delicious peri-peri chicken ... the only bars you'll see are on our grill," Nando's Australia posted on its Facebook page.
The advertisement, which Nando's also posted on Twitter and copied to dozens of media organisations in an apparent bid to drum up publicity, was strongly criticised by some users, who said they found it tacky and offensive.
"This is a disgusting advert, very disappointed," one Facebook user commented.
"Nando's this is pathetic you have become a disgrace," another wrote.
Nando's Australia later defended the post, which is the latest in a string of controversial adverts by the South African-owned company.
In 2011 it withdrew an advert aired in southern Africa that featured a range of actors playing dictators, including Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.
"Nando's has built its reputation on being a bit challenging and cheeky," the company said in reference to the Corby advert.
"We celebrate individualism and the right to free expression.
"It's not our intention to offend people, just to be a bit tongue-in-cheek with something that's gaining a lot of media attention.
"We wish Schapelle and her family all the best."
Other social media users said they enjoyed the advert
