Annie Walton Doyle
People demanded an ‘offensive’ advert for a paint company be banned following hundreds of complaints.
The ad uses a catchy, rhyming song to tell the story of a couple named Hannah and Dave, who get together at an illegal rave and later go on to have children.
One particular line in the ad triggered outrage among viewers, resulting in over 200 complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
One of the most prominent voices calling out the Crown Paints ad was comic Jenny Eclair, who branded it ‘beyond mad’ while describing one line as ‘massively offensive.’
In response to her tweets, author and podcast host Daisy Buchanan said: “I honestly thought it was me being mad.”
Agreeing with Eclair, others described the ad to be ‘offensive,’ ‘misogynistic’ and a ‘serious judgment of error.’
Following the outcry, the advertising watchdog said it would consider investigating the ‘Hannah & Dave’ advert.
The ASA said: “The complaints are mainly focused on whether the content in the ad is appropriate to be shown on TV.”
Hey @crownpaints get that offensive baby ad off air – what were you thinking !!!? What on earth possessed you?
— Jenny Eclair (@jennyeclair) August 10, 2022
In response to the backlash, Crown Paints stated: “We’re sorry if you were upset by the remark in this advert – we were simply trying to tell the story of one of life’s most special moments in a lighthearted way.”
The paint company’s advert was part of a series titled ‘Life Stories.’ In this particular story, it’s insinuated that Hannah, who is expecting a baby, may have been unfaithful to Dave.
The controversial chorus in question says: “Hannah’s hoping for a girl, Dave’s just hoping that it’s his.”
Critics argue the ad promotes harmful stereotypes, especially by suggesting Dave was manipulated into fatherhood.
In a statement addressing such complaints, Crown Paints said (per The Guardian): “This ad is one in a series that is intended to celebrate special moments in life in a humorous way.
“The characters of Hannah and Dave are shown to be in a happy relationship and preparing for their new arrival. There are no negative connotations intended from any of the lyrics and whilst the ad has been broadly well received, we recognize that people have differing tastes in humor.
“We apologize if any of the lines have caused offence.”
Watch the ‘offensive’ advert here…
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