‘Back to School’ ad goes back to drawing board as H&M accused of sexualising kids

Fast fashion retailer bins campaign after being slammed for inappropriate portrayal of children

10:16 AM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Swedish fast fashion giant H&M pulled an advertising campaign in Australia after being slammed for its sexual messaging.

The campaign featured two young girls in school uniform with the caption “Make those heads turn in H&M’s Back to School fashion”.

“We have removed this ad,” a company spokesperson told AFP. 

“We are deeply sorry for the offence this has caused and we are looking into how we present campaigns going forward.”

However, social media users were not amused, with most saying that such messaging should have been flagged before it was approved.

This is not the first time H&M has gotten into trouble.

In 2018, the clothing retailer faced fierce backlash for a racist ad in which a Black child was pictured wearing a sweatshirt with the words “coolest monkey in the jungle” on its UK site. – January 23, 2024

Topics

Popular

Mamak restaurants’ group to sue TikTok user for defaming industry

The Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners’ Association (Presma) will proceed with suing a TikTok user for making defamatory claims about food preparation and cleanliness at mamak restaurants.

[UPDATED] Desperate, doomed move: Lokman Adam claims Daim, Dr Mahathir behind Langkah Dubai  

Langkah Dubai, a move by the opposition to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, is allegedly masterminded by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his right-hand man Tun Daim Zainuddin.

IS launched ‘official’ Malay media group with IED drone manual, firm warns

An international security think tank has warned of the Islamic State terrorist group's latest tactic to expand its influence in Malaysia.  

Related