'Explicit' Adidas Ad Ban Challenges Definitions of Sexualization and Censorship

Why has an ad showing bare breasts ignited such fierce debate?

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

While the egregious sexism of the Mad Men-era might be behind us, brands are still guilty of promoting products through a male gaze. In April, Samsung caught heat for an ad showing a woman jogging alone through dark city streets at 2 a.m. More recently, Adidas stood accused of “dehumanizing” women with a series of sports bra ads showing dozens of naked breasts of differing shape, size and skin tone.

Adidas’ “Support Is Everything” ads by TBWA\Neboko were banned by the U.K.’s

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in