New figures released from the Advertising Standards Authority have revealed the top ten most complained about adverts in 2015. These particular adverts have made the list due to the themes and issues offending and misleading some viewers.
Of course, the grounds on how an advert can be offensive is based solely on an individual’s opinion, Guy Parker Chief Executive at ASA said “Our Top 10 for 2015 will no doubt get people talking about whether the ads are or aren’t offensive, but there are important issues at stake here. Advertisers must take care not to cause serious or widespread offence.”
2015’s top ten most complained about adverts are:
The advert consisting of Dave strutting his stuff the Pussycat Dolls received 1,513 complaints.
Booking.com prompted complaints of encouraging bad language by using the word ‘booking’ in the place of a swear word. This advert received 683 complaints.
Their latest Christmas advert sparked 464 complaints after claims that it revealed the truth about Father Christmas after two children recognised that their parents hadn’t been shopping.
Booking.com used the same light hearted play on words with their advert of a man swimming back to his holiday resort which received 407 complaints.
After advertising a woman in a bikini, Protein World Ltd was criticised for being offensive. This campaign had 380 complaints.
The British Heart Foundation fell under scrutiny after their advert of a boy sat in classroom talking to his father who had died from a heart attack was released. This advert received 219 complaints.
This particular advert showing a couple meeting at a hotel, received 201 complaints after the same play on words was used.
The anti-smoking campaign from Public Health England showed a man smoking a cigarette that had blood and flesh inside it. This advert received 181 complaints.
This advert received 145 after many people thought the advertising of e-cigarettes was appealing to children.
An advert for their XLS Medial slimming aid received 136 complaints after viewers felt that it an irresponsible approach to body images.