Oct 22, 20102

Lara Stone’s Calvin Klein Ad Banned in Australia

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A Calvin Klein Jeans ad starring supermodel Lara Stone has been banned in Australia for being “suggestive of violence and rape.” The Daily Mail says:

The supermodel can be seen posing with three male models in the controversial image. Her head is on the lap of one, while she is straddled by another.

The advertisement sparked a storm of complaints from sexual assault workers and women’s groups after it was posted on billboards across the country.

A spokesman from the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau said that the image was demeaning to both men and women.

I don’t see what the big freakin’ deal is. It’s not controversial; it’s a warning. It’s the nature of Calvin Klein denim. You put on these jeans, and you can fully expect to be accosted by three men of questionable sexuality outside a city park. If you’re wearing these jeans, you can’t go crying to the cops every time some man grabs a fistful of your hair and pins you to his lap while another dude unzips his pants and pries your legs apart with his knee. Kind of a “buyer beware” more than an advertisement.

NSFW in French Playboy July 2010:

2 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. Milly

    I can’t believe this reaction in Australia. Saying that it’s totally out of proportions is an understatement!
    They had an ugly model called Miranda Kerr appearing dressed like a prostitute with a crucifix and a rosary in the alley of a school some time ago, and that got accepted with very little or no controversy.
    Can anyone tell me why marketing campaigns can make fun of religious symbols but not suggest a scene of group sex? I tought Australians were smarter than that…..

    Oct 25th, 2010

  2. Lee

    Really? So this ad doesn’t scream sexual assault? I think it is completely appropriate that they pulled this ad. The underlying suggestions of this ad are normalizing societies behavior towards women. I am in no way saying that it is ok to “make fun of religious symbols” but please don’t tell me that you wouldn’t have a problem with your daughter or another young lady analyzing this. Fortunately Australians are smart… I thought we were smarter than this!!!

    Nov 10th, 2010

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