The United Kingdom has prohibited a Calvin Klein advertisement featuring singer FKA twigs for allegedly portraying her as a sexual stereotype. The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) made this decision public on Wednesday, following complaints that the ad, deemed overly sexualized, was offensive and irresponsible, objectifying women.
Responding to the ban, FKA twigs expressed her disagreement with the UK officials in an extensive Instagram post. She stated that she didn’t recognize herself as the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ the authorities claimed she was. Instead, she saw a strong, resilient woman of color. She compared her art and physicality to pioneering figures like Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, and Grace Jones, known for their empowered and uniquely sensual presence.
The 2023 ad showcased the 35-year-old singer wearing a denim shirt, revealing part of her buttocks and breast. USA TODAY has contacted Calvin Klein and representatives for FKA twigs for their comments on the matter.
The ASA also scrutinized Calvin Klein posters featuring model Kendall Jenner. In one, Jenner appeared topless with her hands covering her chest, and another showed her lying on her back, pulling down her jeans to reveal her underwear.
Calvin Klein defended its advertisements to the ASA, asserting that they did not over-sexualize FKA twigs or Jenner and conveyed a progressive message. The company argued that some nudity is expected in clothing ads and highlighted the inclusion of male models in its campaign, emphasizing that the objective wasn’t to objectify women. According to Calvin Klein, all sensitive body areas were adequately covered in the advertisements.
Nevertheless, the ASA found that the FKA twigs ad directed attention to her body rather than the clothing, presenting her as a sexual object, which it deemed irresponsible. However, it determined that the Jenner ads were unlikely to be considered irresponsible or offensive, with one not portraying her as a sexual object and the other’s nudity level aligning with expectations for lingerie ads.
FKA twigs, in a March 2023 Instagram post, expressed pride in being the new face of Calvin Klein and believed her campaign resonated with her identity as a woman and artist. She viewed the campaign’s visuals as a reminder of the timeless value of personal strength.
This ban follows Calvin Klein’s recent unveiling of a new campaign with “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White, featuring him in white boxer briefs. Calvin Klein has been instructed by the ASA to ensure that its future ads do not irresponsibly objectify women and are appropriately targeted.
