Puma - According to Puma, in a statement issued at the time of the release of these adverts in 2003, they were spoofs created by an unknown person.



Dolce & Gabbana - This advert was pulled by the fashion label Dolce & Gabbana following accusations in several countries that it glamourised violence against women.


BenQ - This advert by the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, BenQ, was withdrawn from circulation in China following objections to its choice of background imagery. The advert, which appears to show a youth emerging from the rubble of the World Trade Centre on September 11 2001, was considered to be “offensive”, and the slogan “I belive, music makes hope” not thought a sufficiently sensitive response to the events of that day.


Gay Ireland - This advert promoting Gay Ireland magazine drew a number of complaints (including death threats) when it appeared on billboards.


Auto Trader - The billboard advertisement, displaying the website address www.AUTOTRADER.co.nz, showed two dogs peering from a muddy vehicle. A large caption read: WE'VE GOT RIDES FOR DIRTY BITCHES.


Aprilia - The Italian motorcycle company Aprilia withdrew this advert following complaints from the Women’s Institute of Spain, whose advertising monitoring wing considered it to be sexist. Translation: "The Arrecife Range: Now several sizes smaller"


Smint - The use of the text "Need fresh Air?" has a double meaning and emphasizes the irony. The proposal was rejected by the client, Malaco Leaf.


Bacardi - Canada - Banned as it "objectified and demeaned women"


Kiss Tobacco - Israel - Banned as it contains "obscenity and ressemblance of human beings"


Paddy Power - Ireland - Banned as "the betting odds referred to each woman's chances of either being knocked down by the truck were offensive and demeaned older people"


Energizer - Chile - Rejected by the client

NO2ID - UK - Most Complained as "the barcode on Tony Blair's upper lip made him resemble Hitler, which was offensive"


Department of Health - UK - Banned as it can "frighten and distress children"


Six Feet Under TV Series - UK - Banned as they were "offensive, shocking and likely to cause undue distress"



Russian Finance Magazine - RUSSIA - Banned for being "immoral"



Tom Ford - USA - Most Complained as "it was sexually explicit"


Towers Anti-Smoking Campaign - CHINA - Rejected as "inappropriate"

The Breast Cancer Fund - USA - Rejected by advertising spaces run by Viacom "over fears that its depiction of mastectomy scars would prove to be too shocking to the public"


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