Britain’s advertising regulator has banned a Demi Lovato poster promoting her album “HOLY FVCK” because it is “likely to cause serious offence to Christians.”
The poster, which was displayed at multiple locations in London last August, became the subject of The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) investigation after receiving complaints from four members of the public.
The poster features “DEMI LOVATO” and “HOLY FVCK” with an image of Lovato bound in a bondage-style outfit while lying on a large, cushioned crucifix.
The ASA wrote in their ruling that “The complainants challenged whether the ad was likely to cause serious or widespread offence,” and “Some of the complainants also challenged whether the ad was irresponsibly placed where children could see it.”
According to the ASA ruling:
“We considered that the image of Ms Lovato bound up in a bondage-style outfit whilst lying on a mattress shaped like a crucifix, in a position with her legs bound to one side which was reminiscent of Christ on the cross, together with the reference to “holy fvck”, which in that context was likely to be viewed as linking sexuality to the sacred symbol of the crucifix and the crucifixion, was likely to cause serious offence to Christians.”
so proud of Demi for this excellent album and for being a real artist. a fucking masterpiece. HOLY FVCK by Demi Lovato out now! ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/OxfIoex9aa
— Devonne 🩸 (@demifcknlovato) January 11, 2023
The ASA said that British record label, Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Ltd, “did not believe the poster would cause serious or widespread offence.”
They added that “Prior to publication, they had checked with the agency that the poster was acceptable to run on the proposed sites. The agency had provided an assurance that it was, and Polydor had proceeded on that basis.”
The poster only appeared at six sites in London, for a four-day period and was removed on 23 August 2022, the ASA said.
