The Calvin Klein poster featuring FKA twigs has been banned by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for objectifying women. The poster, displaying the singer with only a denim shirt on, was found to be “likely to cause serious offence” by the ASA. The ruling followed an earlier campaign featuring Jeremy Allen White. The new ruling received support from FKA twigs, who stated on Instagram that she felt the decision showed “double standards”.
The ASA ruling criticised the image’s focus on the model’s body rather than the clothing. It was found to present FKA twigs “as a stereotypical sexual object” by emphasising her physical features. The image displayed the singer with part of one breast and her buttocks visible, with text reading “Calvins or nothing” above her. The ruling came after three complaints from the public were made.
FKA twigs responded to the decision by posting on Instagram that she was “proud” of the images. She thanked the photographers for their work on the photos and stated that the decision by the ASA to ban the image showed a lack of progress. The previous campaign featuring Jeremy Allen White is being reviewed by the ASA, which is investigating allegations that the advertisement is sexually objectifying the actor.
The ASA can initiate a full investigation against an advertisement after just one complaint, representing a considerable threat to brand image. The regulator states that around 80% of cases do not proceed to a full investigation, reflecting its efforts to maintain a balance between advocating for consumers and allowing businesses sufficient creative freedom
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