is creating quite a stir across Australian media with its advertising campaign for Bodycare featuring a naked lady riding a horse.
Deemed too risqué for Australian outdoor billboards, the Outdoor Media Association [that represents billboard companies in Australia] has advised members they are not permitted to display the billboard.
''No Australian agency will take them. It runs in New Zealand,” says Ecoya executive chairman Geoff Ross. I'm surprised Australians are so prudish. But Outdoor Media Association said it would breach the code of ethics.''
A letter sent to Ross reads: ''We consider it would breach section 5.2 of the Code, which requires an ad to treat sex, sexuality and nudity with sensitivity to the relevant audience.'' Relevant audience for outdoor advertising includes men, women and children.
Despite OMA chairman Charmaine Moldrich revealing the image is incredibly provocative”, Ross argues that the brand chose the ad because we want to show lots of skin and interaction with nature, because we are a natural bodycare brand.”
While there was some controversy surrounding the advertisement in New Zealand, it was not banned from being displayed.
Do you think these images are too controversial for an Australian ad campaign?
