M&S Christmas ad cleared of sexism
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The advertising watchdog has cleared Marks & Spencer’s Christmas television advertisement of sexism.
The Advertising Standards Authority has decided not to investigate the ad after about 100 people complained about a line spoken by Life on Mars actor Philip Glenister in the spot.
Glenister says: “Oh come on, it’s Christmas”, adding “that girl prancing around in her underwear” before the camera switches to model Noemie Lenoir who is seen in her underwear.
The ASA says it will not launch a formal investigation and has closed the case after concluding the line was not derogatory and is unlikely to be interpreted as a negative comment on women.
Marks & Spencer’s star-studded Christmas campaign was created by RKCR/Y&R and also stars Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders, James Nesbitt, Twiggy and Myleene Klass.
The retailer is running six different executions of the creative featuring a range of products from food, to clothing and gifts, including separate ads to promote M&S Online and the M&S gift card.
M&S recently announced the appointment of Morrisons chief executive Marc Bolland as its new chief.
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Readers' comments (4)
Denise Henderson-Cleland | Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:48 pm
Very good news. I am shocked that 100 could be so pathetic and I hope that they may now turn their attention and energy to fighting something that is offensive – like child cruelty or homelessness.
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Anonymous | Wed, 16 Dec 2009 3:08 pm
well at least i suppose that those one hundred people who complained can now get back to their kitchen sinks.
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Laura | Wed, 16 Dec 2009 3:28 pm
Ha ha ha, these people really have nothing better to do than complain about anything they possibly can. Think they have the ASA on speed dial with their finger hovering over it. Spend you energy doing something positive will you? The advert was amusing anyway.
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Paul | Fri, 8 Jan 2010 12:55 pm
Great ad... great line... and if it's an excuse for Noemie Lenoir to do what she does best, then I'm all for it. Complaints about this comment on a postcard please!
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