#advertising-controversy

#advertising-controversy

Less than a year after some backlash to American Eagle's decision to enlist actress Sydney Sweeney as the face of its brand, the retailer is reinvesting in its celebrity strategy. Last week, the blonde haired, blue-eyed actress joined the retailer to ring in the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The NYSE appearance comes after the "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" ad campaign last summer which sparked debate as to whether the play on "jeans" and "genes" was racially charged.

The 45-second TV ad for the plant-based margarine spread I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! sees Ramsay, who is known for his foul-mouthed tirades and no-nonsense attitude, praise the spread via a litany of swear words. "What in the hell is this?!?" Ramsay angrily shouts in the ad, pointing at a tub of the butter-alternative. After trying it, Ramsay relents: "F*** me. This is really rich - any richer, you'd need a prenup!"

Dan Kenger, the chief design officer at Hims & Hers, told Business Insider that the figures in the ad "aren't specific individuals," and instead "symbols of an intimidating, members-only healthcare culture." Kenger said Hims & Hers is aiming for the ad to be a provocative conversation starter about health inequity. "We don't shy away from uncomfortable truths, and we fully expect this will ruffle some feathers," Kenger said. "But if our message makes the industry uncomfortable, it's because we're exposing an outdated system that benefits the very few at the expense of everyone else."

"It is unnecessary to hint at profanity in any commercial, especially the f-word in a Christmas ad," OMM wrote in its latest petition. "It is extremely irresponsible because everyone knows children repeat what they hear." "Supporters have submitted many complaints about the use of insinuated profanity," OMM added. "It is extremely disrespectful to families. Kohl's needs to be held accountable!"

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Sydney Sweeney has great jeans

Last month, AI startup Friend launched an eyebrow-raising advertising campaign in the New York City subway, which drew a striking amount of hatred. The largely white billboards left a convenient amount of room for passersby to air their feelings about the privacy-infringing tech. As such, it didn't take long for handwritten scribbles to cover the ads. "Befriend something alive," one pen-wielding tagger wrote. "AI wouldn't care if you lived or died," another vandal raged.

"I know a thing or two about red flags... And pricey makeup? You deserve better than that." - Matt Rife, portraying an attorney in the E.L.F. Cosmetics ad campaign.

The placement of ads for Krispy Krunchy Chicken on the Carlos Santana mural outside the BART station elicited strong disapproval from the community, emphasizing a sense of disrespect.

Dove's advert featuring a trans model sparked backlash from right-wing groups, who accused the brand of promoting a 'sinful lifestyle' and called for a boycott.