Durex Accused Of Creating Ad That Could “Ruin The Chinese”

Zgierz, Poland - December 11, 2011: A foil wrapped Durex manufactured latex condom placed next to the yellow banana - shot in the studio with a white background.

Chinese censors have accused condom brand Durex of using soft pornography to promote its products on social media.

In China, talking about sex is considered taboo, yet Durex has made a name for itself amongst the younger Chinese demographic thanks to its humorous ads.

However, a recent social media campaign with Chinese bubble tea brand Heytea has caused a stir with its overly suggestive images and crude taglines.

Durex is the latest brand to come under fire as the Chinese government cracks down on inappropriate content online.

The ads include a picture of a white, creamy drop of bubble tea coming out of a cup, with the caption: “Tonight, not a drop left”, followed by the question: “Do you remember our second date? I said to you, ‘Your first bite is the most precious’.”

Screen Shot 2019-04-29 at 11.47.29 am

Heytea responded to the post on social media saying: “I remember the date. We agreed from that day on, my cheese will always be on your lips.”

Heytea popular in China for its tea that has a cream cheese topping.

The provocative ads prompted a consumer backlash, with Heytea editing the original pictures and issuing an apology.

The National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications said the Durex ads could “ruin the Chinese” and said crude ads were “more frightening than pornography”, according to South China Morning Post.

In a statement on Weibo, it said: “The office has added such content to its ongoing crackdown on vulgar content online. We urge and guide all internet platforms to enhance discipline, establish standards and maintain a bottom line.”




Please login with linkedin to comment

durex Social Media Marketing

Latest News

Cosmo Returns To Australia!
  • Media

Cosmo Returns To Australia!

Ever get the feeling we've weirdly warped back to 1988 at the moment? Confirm it with the relaunch of Cosmo in print.

Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
  • Media

Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm

Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]

Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
  • Advertising

Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA  Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]