Audi Drops ‘Suggestive’ Ad Of Young Girl Eating Banana While Leaning On Car
Image via StockStudio Aerials / Shutterstock.com
Audi has pulled an ad that showed a young girl leaning against a car while eating a banana, following immense backlash.
The German automotive shared the “controversial” photo to Twitter last Sunday, writing, “Let your heart beat faster—in every aspect. #AudiRS4.” Multiple social media users took issue with the imagery due to “provocative connotations,” forcing the company to take down its “insensitive” campaign.
The ad showed a young girl, donning a leopard-print dress with a denim jacket and sunglasses, posing with a banana in her right hand. She stood with her back facing the grille of the car, which measured at the same height as its bonnet.
The new campaign did not sit well with internet users, as many claimed the banana is a phallic symbol. One viewer tweeting, “Car companies have always used sex to sell their cars and targeted their ads very carefully to their market. I’m never letting an Audi driver babysit my kids after seeing this one.”
Another user wrote, “The banana, pose, red colour are incredibly suggestive. Its definitely not the mind of the individual, advertising is a science, a psychology.”
Audi has issued an apology, agreeing that the campaign’s imagery was “a mistake.”
“We sincerely apologize for this insensitive image and ensure that it will not be used in future,” the company said.
Lets your heart beat faster – in every aspect. #AudiRS4 pic.twitter.com/14XaKhlRVL
— AudiOfficial (@AudiOfficial) August 2, 2020
We hear you and let’s get this straight: We care for children. The Audi RS 4 is a family car with more than thirty driver assistance systems including an emergency break system. That’s why we showcased it with various family members for the campaign. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/XAeIjszUWQ
— AudiOfficial (@AudiOfficial) August 3, 2020
We sincerely apologize for this insensitive image and ensure that it will not be used in future. We will also immediately examine internally, how this campaign has been created and if control mechanisms failed in this case. (3/3)
— AudiOfficial (@AudiOfficial) August 3, 2020
AHH come on. The banana, pose, red colour are incredibly suggestive. Its definitely not the mind of the individual, advertising is a science, a psychology. I have studied Freud, Mulvey, this reeks of the male gaze.
— Mac Sales & Repair Bournemouth (@MacRepairBmouth) August 4, 2020
As a learning point, I would like to know how this came about. When I saw the photo of the child, my heart lurched. I have drummed into my children NEVER to stand in front of or behind a car as you may not be seen. Were any parents/mothers involved in this design?
— Jennifer Bridge FRSA (@JennBridge) August 3, 2020
Have a look at this people. Audi's new ad, featuring a toddler, eating a phallic symbol, the banana. Wait for it, with this caption...
— ✖️RISEUPMELBOURNE✖️ (@riseupmelbourne) August 5, 2020
‘Let your heart beat faster, in every aspect.’
And people don't think we are in the midst of a battle with the devil.👊 pic.twitter.com/4W9Ohx77Yb
Car companies have always used sex to sell their cars and targeted their ads very carefully to their market. I’m never letting an Audi driver babysit my kids after seeing this one!
— Simon Russell (@Simon_at_Boing) August 3, 2020
[via BBC, opening image via StockStudio Aerials / Shutterstock.com]
