The government has asked Twitter and YouTube to take down two controversial advertisements through a body spray company that sparked a massive controversy for their “derogatory” content. “The video is dangerous to the portrayal of girls in the interest of decency or morality,” said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The response by the government came after the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) found the advertisements in “serious breach” of their code and against public interest.
The ads watchdog “suspended” two new Layer’r Shot classified ads “pending investigation” after their content was flagged with the aid of countless social media users, announcing it “promotes rape”. “Disrespectful in the direction of women” was once how many on the social media described the inappropriate ads.
One of the controversial advertisement shows a younger couple in a bedroom when 4 men – who seemed to recognize the man in the room – enter barring knocking. They then randomly ask a crude question to the lady before intending to take the ‘Shot’ fragrance stored on a table, hinting they had been talking about the spray the complete time.
Another ad features the equal set of guys in a comfort store, standing in the back of a woman. The men then heard saying “there are 4 of us, however there may be only one, who will get a shot”. It then shows he intentionally shocked a lady turning to them when one of them out to take hold of a single bottle of ‘Shot’ perfume saved on a rack.
Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal tweeted before in the day that the advertisements reflected “toxic masculinity in its worst form”. She also stated that she has taken action by taking the matter to the Delhi Police and Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Several actors have also crticised the fragrance brand for promotion “gang rape culture” with the “tasteless” advertisements.
“What incredibly tasteless and twisted minds it must take to assume up, approve and create these stinking body spray ‘gang rape’ innuendo ads!! Shameful,” wrote Farhan Akhtar.
