Ultra Tune’s Jean Claude Van Damme ad banned for depiction of violence towards women
The ad watchdog has upheld a complaint about Ultra Tune’s ‘menacing’ and ‘violent’ ad starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The Advertising Standards Community Panel – the recently rebranded Ad Standards Board – said the happy resolution at the end of the ad was not enough to mitigate the earlier violence, and also weighed up the impact of the ad at a time when community concerns about gang violence in Melbourne is escalating.
The watchdog had previously dismissed complaints about the shorter television commercial. The social media iteration of the campaign (above), however, was longer and depicted a gang member smashing up a car in a dark alley as the stranded women look on.
Take out the couple of shots of the car being smashed and it would be fine. It would still be an appallingly bad spot, a complete waste of time, money and human potential. But fine.
Tim, I wonder, would seek to ban an ad that depicted violence against men?
Oh wait, no I don’t. Of course you wouldn’t.
Btw, it only depicts violence against a car.
And members of a minority being threatening against women. If only they were white men, then we could all agree what an important ad this was. Even better, a kick-ass woman would come and save the day, cause all action heroes are women, didn’t you know?
Site search (if not google) can be your friend sometimes: https://mumbrella.com.au/menacing-threatening-ad-condemned-ad-watchdog-using-domestic-violence-men-sell-hearing-aids-452371
(I’m guessing you were referring to mumbrella covering such stories, since your enquiry was addressed to Tim and not the author, Vivienne?)
Correct decision to ban this piece of shite. It clearly shows violent intimidation towards defenceless individuals by a gang. That violence is then accepted by the resolution of the drama.
All I see is another TVC promoting a business using a celebrity and a story. No more no less. Nanny state and over regulated PC strikes again.
Should have been banned simply for being soooo bad!
I wonder what the franchisees think? They have their compulsory marketing contributions blown in this way. Terrible brand work, terrible communication, not even a decent CTA.
The Agency and marketing team should be banned!
This will do nothing to reduce gang violence and violence against women. Do they really think this would help? Unbelievable.
This is why comedians, bands and other entertainers don’t bother coming here.
Which agency is behind the long run of appalling Ultra Tune ads- can you get them on to explain their target market (blue collar and working class white males?) and if the complaints are boosting online ad views? Whole campaign seems to just work on featuring faded 80s action stars, plastic women in leather and occasionally, actual cars and mechanics.