News

Crazy Domains, Grill’d and Wisr in the most complained about ads for 2021

Ad Standards has released the most complained about ads for 2021, with over 4,500 complaints and more than 300 advertisements assessed by the Community Panel.

Crazy Domains topped the list with an advertisement depicting public urination.

Ad Standards executive director Richard Bean said: “Ad Standards gives a voice to community concerns about advertising content on any media, from broadcast and billboards to digital and social media.

“Like previous years, the bulk of complaints were about ads seen on free-to-air TV followed by ads seen on TV on-demand and Instagram – reflecting the media and advertising consumption habits of Australians.

“The top concern in 2021 was about sex, sexuality and nudity followed closely by health and safety then discrimination and vilification.”

Bean added: ” One of the strengths of Australia’s advertising self-regulatory system is the high level of industry support and compliance.

“The vast majority of Australian advertisers understand the importance of creating responsible ads and comply with the rules and Community Panel decisions.

“This year we also saw almost 40 ads that triggered complaints voluntarily changed or withdrawn by advertisers before being put forward to the Community Panel for assessment.”

The Crazy Domains advertisement had a total of 285 complaints and was upheld for health and safety.

In second place was an Aussie Broadband advertisement that used the phrases “freaking” and “bloody” with 114 complaints, which were dismissed.

Grill’d’s ad depicting an animated clown flashing children was third with 88 complaints, with the advertisement found to be in breach for sexuality.

In fourth was a Wisr advertisement with 88 complaints for health and safety, which were upheld.

Next was It’s Normal with 69 complaints for an advertisement discussing adult toys, which were dismissed.

Honey Birdette was next in sixth place with 59 complaints about sexuality, which were upheld.

In seventh, was SA Police with 50 complaints, which were dismissed, for an advertisement featuring a young man leaving a pub and realising he is a “selfish prick”.

Next was Meat and Livestock Australia with 41 complaints for an advertisment with a pair of adult siblings fighting over a piece of beef, which were dismissed.

In ninth place was an Asaleo Care (Libra) ad with a jingle “wear, bleed, wash, repeat”, with 29 complaints but they were dismissed.

In final place, was an IAG Insurance ad featuring children putting up signs to raise awareness that the trees are also the koala’s home with 17 complaints and were dismissed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.