The advertising regulator justified the use of inappropriate language towards children in a public place
13 Jan
2023
– 08:26
(Updated at 08:55)
In August 2022, the Singer Demi Lovato There were promotional posters for their album Holy Fvck Taken from the streets LondonCapital UK. The measure was determined by the ASA – an authority associated with CONAR (National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation) in Brazil. According to the portal DrumThe justification would have been “blasphemy and a grave offense against Christianity”.
According to the British portal’s findings, the authority argued that the ad piece associated a Christian icon – Jesus crucified – with sexuality. That’s because the poster showed the singer in a pantyhose and lying on a cross-shaped bed. Additionally, the ASA pointed out that the position of Demi’s feet in the image is similar to the way Jesus is commonly represented on crosses.
A rude poster @ddlovato‘s upcoming album Holy Fvck has been banned by the ad regulator. Find out why https://t.co/TlNNkizW6E
Think this ad is too controversial?#DemiLovato #HolyFvck #advertisement pic.twitter.com/x3b7Ozn1g8
— The Drum (@TheDrum) January 11, 2023
In a decision sent to Polydor Records, Universal’s music division in the United Kingdom, the ASA said the advertising content was offensive. “We are [ASA] “We assumed that the image of Lovato lying on a cross-shaped mattress with her legs tied to one side was a reminder of Christ’s crucifixion,” the regulatory commission’s staff wrote.
Album Name, Holy Fvck, being branded in the film was considered a problem by the organ because it is a pun with an obscene connotation in English. The ASA said the use of the word on the poster violated the country’s laws on the use of inappropriate language in public settings, such as places where children are present.
Speaking to The Drum, Polydor Records said it did not believe the poster would cause serious offence. In its defence, the record company said it had consulted with the agency about the possibility of placing posters on the streets and that the agency would have approved the campaign. The items were on display in London for four days, at six locations across the city, until August 23, 2022 – when it was decided to suspend the exhibition.
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Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.