In a shocking revelation, it has been reported that bottles of Amazon drivers’ urine were listed and sold on the marketplace. The urine was cleverly marketed as an energy drink called “Release,” specifically under the category of “bitter lemon.” This bizarre incident came to light through a Channel 4 documentary titled “The Great Amazon Heist,” featuring filmmaker and past prankster Oobah Butler.
Butler revealed that he collected discarded bottles of urine from Amazon drivers near their fulfillment centers and successfully sold them on Amazon’s platform. Despite the questionable nature of the product, “Release” became the top seller in the “Bitter Lemon” category. However, an Amazon spokesperson dismissed the product as a “crude stunt,” clarifying that no genuine customers purchased it.
According to Butler, it was surprisingly easy to list the product on Amazon’s site, and the platform’s algorithm even moved it into the drinks category. While the item was never sold to real customers, Butler estimated that around 10 genuine customers attempted to purchase it. Eventually, Release was taken down from the Amazon marketplace.
The production description of Release Energy, as mentioned Butler, highlighted the plight of Amazon delivery drivers, who face immense pressures and tight deadlines. These drivers often sacrifice their own needs, including access to bathrooms, to ensure timely package deliveries. Each bottle of Release Energy was supposedly filled with discarded urine collected from these hardworking drivers.
Butler’s motive behind making the documentary and listing the bottles on Amazon was to shed light on the company’s impact on society, particularly the experiences of its workers. Reports have previously emerged about Amazon delivery drivers resorting to urinating in bottles to meet strict deadlines. In fact, Butler even worked undercover at an Amazon facility in Coventry for three days, where he discovered workers who confirmed this practice.
Amazon has previously denied allegations of its delivery drivers urinating in bottles but later admitted that some drivers do engage in this behavior. The company claims to provide reminders for breaks throughout the day to address these concerns. However, Insider’s investigation suggests that urinating in bottles remains a common issue among Amazon delivery drivers.
Responding to the documentary, an Amazon spokesperson criticized Channel 4 for presenting a distorted picture of the company’s processes and operations. They emphasized Amazon’s commitment to providing a trusted shopping experience for customers and a safe working environment for colleagues.
This shocking incident showcases the need for stringent regulations and monitoring to prevent the listing and sale of unsafe or inappropriate products on online marketplaces. Amazon, as one of the largest e-commerce platforms, must ensure the integrity of its marketplace and take prompt action against sellers who violate its policies.