None other than Cindy Gallop has lead the chorus of complaints about the event’s entertainment.

In a statement to B&T, Gallop said: “Systemic, endemic sexual harassment in our industry is about abuse of power.

“In an industry that sells first and foremost to female consumers, but continues to be male-dominated and massively power-imbalanced when it comes to women, to keep women out of leadership, influence and power (especially in the creative department), and to talk gender equality, diversity and inclusion but spectacularly fail to deliver on it, it is wholly inappropriate to feature a closing Advertising Week musical act that objectifies women.

“Our industry prides itself on its creativity and innovation. When equality, diversity and inclusion are top of mind in the industry, how much creativity and innovation would it have taken to have thought of booking female artistes for Advertising Week?” Gallop said.

The event organisers have yet to publicly comment on the backlash.

And social media was quick to condemn the choice of entertainment. Here’s just a slice of the Twitter fury:

“Advertising industry closes week of diversity and equality panels with an empowering display of twerking and booty-slapping.”

“With this type of shows we want to eradicate the machismo and misogyny of advertising? Is like shooting to your own foots.”

“Just like the ad industry that does shit outdated as f@ck.”

“The ad industry continues to prove that unless we actually burn it to the ground, it is never going to get any smarter, any more inclusive, any less toxic and patriarchal.”

“Guys, c’mon. Have a word with yourselves yeah?”

“I never want to hear again from some clueless, enabled CD/design dudebro, ‘Why do you think women aren’t welcome? Equality isn’t an issue anymore.’ Way to represent what the industry is really like.”

“Love me a bit of objectification and leering to end the week. How embarrassing.”