A Calvin Klein advert featuring a partially nude female musician has been approved by the watchdog following a complaint from the singer herself.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) had banned a poster showing FKA Twigs with the side of her buttocks and part of a breast exposed, ruling that it depicted her as a ‘stereotypical sexual object’.
However, the watchdog made the rare decision to reverse the ruling after FKA Twigs took to Instagram to issue a challenge.
The singer complained that the original verdict was evidence of “double standards” in the advertising industry.
For example, similar advertising for the fashion brand’s ‘Calvins or Nothing’ campaign, featuring The Bear actor Jeremy Allen White in nothing but underwear, has passed without censure or complaint.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) initially banned a poster showing FKA Twigs with the side of her buttocks and part of a breast exposed, but the watchdog has reversed its decision.
The singer complained that the original verdict was evidence of “double standards” in the advertising industry
FKA twigs defended her image, saying, “I don’t see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ they’ve labeled me.
“I see a beautiful, strong woman of color whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine.”
She added: ‘In light of reviewing other campaigns, both past and current, of this nature, I cannot help but feel that there is a double standard here.’
The singer added that she was “proud of her physicality” and cited role models like Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt and Grace Jones who had broken barriers.
Her stand received support from other women in the entertainment industry, including I May Destroy You writer and actor Michaela Coel.
Now the ASA’s ruling council has withdrawn its ruling that the image reflected an outdated sexual stereotype.
A ruling published today (Wed) said: ‘We have reviewed and amended a decision that we made in a formal ruling.
“In our previous ruling, we found that FKA Twigs was presented as a stereotypical sexual object because the ad used nudity and focused on her physical characteristics rather than the clothing she was wearing.”
The singer added that she was “proud of her physicality” and cited role models like Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt and Grace Jones who had broken barriers.
But it says: ‘After careful consideration, our Council, the independent jury that decides whether UK adverts break the rules, is of the opinion that the image was not sexually explicit, that the advert presented FKA branches as confident and in control and therefore that she was not objectified.”
Despite the decision, the ASA council said it still believes the ad is overtly sexual and therefore not suitable for public billboard sites where it would be seen by children.
The ASA added: ‘The decision to review our original ruling took place in the context of the significant strength of public feeling, including the views of FKA Twigs, in response to our findings, but was prompted by our concern that our rationale for banning the ad was substantially flawed.”