Can you guess why this ‘indecent’ ad was rejected by ABC and NBC?
TV networks have been criticised for refusing to air an ad featuring plus-size models.
The ad, for Lane Bryant, was intended to be a fun celebration of body diversity, but ABC and NBC have rejected it, saying it is “indecent”.
The ad features body activist and model Ashley Graham, and is part of the brand’s ‘This Body’ underwear campaign.
The level of nudity has been compared to that of a Dove commercial, and it features a woman breastfeeding.
While ABC refused to comment, a statement from NBC reads: “As part of the normal advertising standards process, we reviewed a rough cut of the ad and asked for minor edits to comply with broadcast indecency guidelines. The ad was not rejected and we welcome the updated creative.”
A statement from Lane Bryant, sent to Racked, reads: ““The This Body campaign was meant to be a fun way for us to celebrate and honor women of all shapes and sizes. What is too much for some does not hold true for others. All women should be celebrated and feel empowered to express themselves as they see fit.
“We want her to know she can attract as much media attention, look just as striking as any woman, and decide what beautiful means to her. The This Body commercial holds nothing back. It is a true celebration of women of all sizes doing what makes THEM feel beautiful whether its breastfeeding their newborn, flaunting their bodies the way they see fit, breaking down barriers all around and simply being who they are or want to be!”
The brand has said it will not edit the advert, saying: “The first edit was turned down out of hand and while we clearly created the commercial to air we will not edit it as we believe it’s a beautiful and appropriate expression of women’s bodies. We do plan to air this through our own media and through digital channels where they find it as acceptable.”
Graham in 2010 criticised networks for refusing to air a similar ad, then comparing it to adverts for Victoria’s Secret.
Check out the ad below:
The networks didn’t want you to see this. But we do. Share. Tag. Show everyone what #ThisBody’s made for. pic.twitter.com/1uZ4ZV1eNi
— Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) March 10, 2016
