TV networks have rejected a new ad from US clothing line Lane Bryant, which features plus-size models showcasing the label’s latest underwear.
Models Ashley Graham, Tara Lynn, Denise Bidot and Georgia Pratt are seen dancing about in their knickers in a campaign that continues Lane Bryant’s body positive #ThisBody message, but TV networks have complained about the ad’s “indecency”.
[fb_embed_post href=”https://www.facebook.com/LaneBryant/videos/10154186198257018//” width=”550″/]
According to Lane Bryant, major US networks NBC and ABC request that edits be made to the clip, edits which have not been made public. When the label declined, the ad was rejected with the claim it didn’t meet “decency standards”.
As other online outlets have clearly pointed out, these are the very networks who frequently air the swimsuit segments of Miss Universe and Miss America, not to mention Victoria’s Secret ads with scantily-clad models getting about in teeny lingerie.
Really, NBC you ban Lane Bryant’s stunning commercial but Victoria’s Secret is A. OK? https://t.co/g9Nh8af2xQ pic.twitter.com/0mvHBf0FeR
— RunwayRiot (@runway_riot) March 10, 2016
So… #ThisBody is indecent, but a @CarlsJr Superbowl ad is family-friendly? WTF?https://t.co/0BGmORxuFC #CaptionThis c/o @lanebryant #FF
— Jacopo della Quercia (@Jacopo_della_Q) March 11, 2016
Following the bizarre decision, Lane Bryant posted the clip on their Facebook page on Friday, saying, “The networks didn’t want you to see this. But we do. Show everyone what #ThisBody’s made for.”
Since then, it’s been viewed over two million times and received over 42,000 shares.
Chief marketing officer Brian Beitler told AdAge, “’This Body’ plays the role of getting to the type of dialogue we want to have as a brand. Our bodies don’t constrain what we can do and anybody can have an impact on their world.”
“We created this commercial with an intent to air and felt there was nothing objectionable in it. Our plan is to keep the edit “as is,” we believe it’s a beautiful and appropriate expression of women’s bodies. We do plan to air this through our own media channels as well as through digital channels.
“We’ll continue to lead and push the dialogue and hopefully receive some credit from both the consumer base and media base for being willing and able to do that, as a brand in business for special sizes for over 100 years.”
