A controversial advertisement by Protein World, which appeared in London Underground stations, promoting ‘The Weightloss Collection’ has caused quite a stir. The ads featured Australian model Renee Sommerfield in a yellow bikini asking “Are You Beach Body Ready?”
Image via Time.com
According to Time, a petition with more than fifty thousand signatures was looking to get the billboards removed. The British Advertising Standards Authority has received over 200 complaints that the ad is “offensive, irresponsible and harmful because it promotes an unhealthy body image.”
Pictures of defaced posters have gone viral on Twitter under the hashtag #everybodysready, and while body image campaigners and feminists have been condemning the campaign, some companies have created their own ads in response.
Dove answered “Yes. We are beach body ready.” showing off curvy, bikini-clad women.
Image via Daily Mail
Carlsberg beer bought up billboard spots in close proximity, with a beer bottle sporting a yellow bikini bottom asking “Are You Beer Body Ready?” – adding the hashtag #probably.
Image via Twitter
Others still are following suit, offering their take on beach perfection…
Image via Twitter