French Connection will have its posters pre-vetted by the Committee
of Advertising Practice (CAP) for two years, following the Advertising
Standards Authority's decision to uphold 132 complaints against its
latest campaign.
The ASA has ruled the 'fcukinkybugger.com' poster campaign was written
in a way that could be read as 'fuck kinky bugger.com' or 'fucking kinky
bugger.com', and was therefore offensive, especially as it could be read
by children.
The 13 posters, created by TBWA/London, occupied roadside sites around
London. The poster campaign ended a fortnight ago.
The ASA reminded French Connection that it had previously been told not
to use 'FCUK' in an ad if it could be misinterpreted. CAP, in
consultation with the Outdoor Advertising Association and the IPA
Outdoor Group, will now check its future posters don't break ASA codes
on taste and decency.
The ASA, however, is powerless to order the withdrawal of store posters,
which do not fall under its remit of paid-for advertising.
Stephen Marks profile, page 24.
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