Following significant backlash, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has announced that it has overturned its initial ruling on a Calvin Klein ad campaign starring FKA Twigs. The ASA had previously deemed the ad as “sexually explicit” and banned it from circulation.
After careful consideration, the watchdog reversed its opinion, stating that the imagery in the ad portrayed FKA Twigs as confident and in control, rather than objectifying her. The original ad depicted the singer-songwriter wearing a denim shirt, partially revealing parts of her body, with the caption “Calvins or nothing”.
The ASA’s decision to ban the ad came after receiving two complaints alleging that the ad was offensive, objectified women, and was inappropriate for display in a general audience setting. While the ban has been lifted, the ASA maintains its stance that certain imagery may not be suitable for untargeted mediums.
The controversy surrounding the ban prompted public scrutiny and criticism from FKA Twigs herself, who highlighted what she perceived as double standards in the ASA’s evaluation process. The ASA clarified that it did not receive complaints about similar ads featuring other individuals, such as Jeremy Allen White, and therefore did not review them.
In response to questions about potential racial bias in its decisions, the ASA emphasized that race and identity were not factors in its ruling. The authority acknowledged the complexity of issues related to stereotyping, objectification, and offense, noting the challenges in making nuanced judgments on such matters.
Looking ahead, the ASA announced plans to review its criteria for intervening in ads based on offense and prioritize cases with the most serious implications. While it aims to address instances of significant harm and offense, the authority recognizes the subjective and divisive nature of certain issues that may not warrant intervention.
As part of its new strategic direction, the ASA is committed to navigating the complexities of advertising standards with a focus on balancing societal sensitivities and regulatory responsibilities.
