The singer Demi Lovato released his eighth studio album Holy Fvck in 2022 and continues to tour to promote the work. Although well received by critics and the public, the album was not as well received in the UK. There, ads for the singer that appeared on some sites were banned.
The British advertising regulator Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned the poster for Demi Lovato’s album. In addition, it launched an investigation into the image after receiving complaints from four people.
What is the content of Demi Lovato’s ad?
The image is a wider crop of the album cover. It shows Demi Lovato tied up and lying on a crossshaped mattress. The background color is red, similar in texture to a velvet carpet.
It says in bold: at the top, “Demi Lovato” and “Holy Fvck”; at the bottom: “Available now”.
See the picture below:
A raunchy poster for @ddlovato‘s forthcoming album Holy Fvck is banned by the Advertising Board. Find out why 👀👉https://t.co/TlNNkizW6E
Do you think this ad is too controversial?#Demi Lovato #HolyFvck #Advertising pic.twitter.com/x3b7Ozn1g8
— The Drum (@TheDrum) January 11, 2023
Why was the picture blocked?
According to the ASA, the complainants alleged that the image could cause “serious or widespread offense” and that the advertisement was placed in an “irresponsible manner” as children could have access to it. In addition, the singer was accused of blasphemy for choosing the composition of the photo.
“We believe the image of Ms. Lovato strapped into a ‘sadomasochistic’ outfit while lying on a crucifixshaped mattress, in a position with her legs tied at one side, reminiscent of Christ on the cross. In this context, it would likely be seen as associating sexuality with the sacred symbol of the crucifix and crucifixion, which would likely cause serious offense to Christians.”
Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music, the company responsible for the distribution and promotion of Demi Lovato, refuted that the ads were offensive. However, it complied with the decision to remove them from the sites where they were published.