Calvin Klein Ad of FKA Twigs Cleared After ‘Objectification’ Claims
Calvin Klein Ad Cleared After ‘Objectification’ Claims
PRUDES at the advertising watchdog have reversed their claims that a Calvin Klein poster of singer FKA twigs had “objectified” her.
PRUDES at the Advertising Watchdog Reverse Calvin Klein ‘Objectification’ Claims
In a surprising turn of events, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has retracted its accusations that a Calvin Klein advertisement featuring singer FKA twigs was guilty of objectification.
The picture, which showed the star revealing her hip and sideboob, received only two complaints.
ASA Reverses Calvin Klein ‘Objectification’ Claims Due to Lack of Complaints
Interestingly, the contentious Calvin Klein ad that prominently displayed FKA twigs adorned in their latest collection received limited backlash, with only two complaints reaching the ASA.
The ad, which was banned in January, received only two complaints
It was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority in January.
ASA Bans Controversial Calvin Klein Ad for Objectification in January
Earlier this year, the Advertising Standards Authority made headlines by banning the Calvin Klein advertisement showcasing FKA twigs, citing concerns of objectification.
The watchdog said it showed FKA twigs as a “stereotypical sexual object” and was likely to cause serious harm or offence by objectifying the 36-year-old Brit.
ASA Accuses Calvin Klein Ad of ‘Objectifying’ FKA Twigs as ‘Sexual Object’
The ASA raised eyebrows by condemning the Calvin Klein ad for allegedly reducing FKA twigs to a mere sexual object, potentially causing harm or offense to viewers by objectifying the renowned British singer.
But the ASA yesterday said the original reasons for the ban may have been “substantially flawed”.
ASA Acknowledges Flaws in Initial Ban of Calvin Klein FKA Twigs Ad
In a surprising move, the ASA admitted that their initial decision to ban the Calvin Klein ad may have been based on flawed reasoning and deserves reconsideration.
After the ban, FKA twigs — real name Tahliah Debrett Barnett — had said: “I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me.
FKA Twigs Responds to Calvin Klein ‘Objectification’ Controversy
Following the ban, FKA twigs expressed her disagreement with the ASA’s depiction of her in the Calvin Klein ad, emphasizing that she sees herself as a strong woman of color with a remarkable body that has endured immense pain.
Calvin Klein called her a “confident and empowered woman” who had approved the picture pre-publication.
Calvin Klein Defends FKA Twigs as ‘Confident and Empowered’ Woman
In a show of support for FKA twigs, Calvin Klein championed her as a bold and empowered woman who had endorsed the advertisement before its release.
But the ASA added: “The decision to revisit our original ruling took place in the context of the significant strength of public feeling, including views expressed by FKA twigs, in response to our findings, but was driven by our concern that our rationale for banning the ad was substantially flawed.”
ASA Revisits Calvin Klein Ad Ban Due to Public Pressure and Flawed Rationale
Under mounting public pressure and scrutiny, the ASA revisited their decision to ban the Calvin Klein ad featuring FKA twigs, acknowledging flaws in their initial rationale for the prohibition.
But the ASA maintained the image was overtly sexual and not suitable for display in an “untargeted medium” so the ban remains on that point.
ASA Upholds Ban on Calvin Klein Ad for Being ‘Sexual’ and Inappropriate
Despite revisiting their ban decision, the ASA reiterated their stance that the Calvin Klein ad featuring FKA twigs was excessively sexual and unsuitable for untargeted audiences, thus upholding the ban on those grounds.
Ultimately, Calvin Klein’s campaign featuring FKA twigs ignited a heated debate on objectification and empowerment in advertising, prompting the ASA to reconsider its initial ruling in light of public sentiment and revised perceptions of the ad’s message. The fashion industry’s ongoing dialogue on representation and inclusivity continues to shape future marketing campaigns and societal norms.