Dr Mumbo

What if Boojay’s Michelle was a cougar?

Dr Mumbo is delighted to see that Budget’s Michael and Michelle – have gone out in a blaze of glory.

As regular Mumbrella readers will recall, Budget Direct is transitioning to a new, alien spokescouple.

But not before the Ad Standards Board was asked to arbitrate one final time on the nature of the relationship between the younger Michelle and her older ‘friend’ Michael who corrects her pronunciation as she showers.

One complainant told the ASB, in something resembling English:

“It’s a disgrace and not only immediately pulled but firm warning sent to ‘Budj-ay Budjay’ Budget Direct that… If any further attempts of unnecessarily sexualisation between the woman and older man occur in future advertisements, or indeed any other advertisement campaign they run it will be firmly noted that this case will be remembered and any further breaches dealt with in a matter of LARGE FINES.

“What if it was reversed and there was a twenty something male showering and talking to the fourty something cougar does her make-up. After they had sex presumably.”

Budget responded, slightly more sanely: “The complainant… suggested that the age difference between Michael and Michelle was derogatory to women – we respectfully disagree. The ads were developed by BCM, one of the most highly awarded advertising agencies in Australia and the actors were cast and directed by one of Australia’s leading TV directors Tori Garrett, who is highly regarded for her experience in the industry.

“We don’t think that a reasonable person in the Australian community would consider the ad to discriminate against women.

“Beyond implying an existing relationship between Michael and Michelle, the ads express nothing at all to do with sex or sexuality.

“Likewise, while Michelle is in the shower washing her hair we actually see nothing of the female body that is not seen at the local supermarket.”

Dr Mumbo is happy to report that the ASB agreed, and cleared the ad.

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