Dolce & Gabbana Gang Rape Ad Banned in Italy, as it "offended the dignity of the woman"

Dolce and Gabbana continue to spark contraversy, as a print ad, suggesting gang rape, is been banned from Italian publications.

According to an article by Agence France-Presse appearing in Australia's News.com.au, "The advertisement showing a woman pinned to the ground by the wrists by a bare-chested man, with other men in the background looking on", has been banned since March 6, the Advertising Self-Discipline Institute (IAP) said. The ad "offended the dignity of the woman, in the sense that the feminine figure is shown in a degrading manner. The woman has an alienated expression, with an absent look".

When the ad was pulled in Spain in February, D and G labelled the country "a bit backward" for the objections raised by the government and a consumer association.

These complaints follow similar concerns around Dolce & Gabbana "Knifing" ads in the UK.

Comments

[Ron E.]

This is funny and stupid at the same time. This ad is as inoffensive as McDonald's ad in my opinion.

Is it sexy? Yes! But then again so is Dolce & Gabbana.

I don't see why it's being banned.

Ron E
http://brandcurve.com

[PZR]

The individual models in the ad may be sexy but when they're put together in a simulated rape scene they're ugly. I'm glad the ad was banned.

[Andy Frueh]

I don't see it. It's certainly a sex-charged ad, but I don't see how it crosses the line for these reasons:

1. The woman's eyes appear to me to be shut, so I don't see the "alienated" look. For that matter, I could frown and you wouldn't be able to tell if I was angry or just thinking hard. She certainly shows no distress.

2. Both of the woman's legs are in the foreground in front of the man. I'd probably draw the line if he was between them, but I honestly don't see the big deal.