The controversy surrounding rape advertisements started recently. The controversy started with an advertisement for a deodorant manufacturer. The Delhi Commission for Women had also written a letter to the Center in this regard. And following the letter from the Commission for Women, the Center on Friday issued a direction to advertising agencies to remove body-spray ads promoting lies and rape. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered the removal of all such controversial advertisements and said that the matter is being investigated as per the advertisement code.
A letter was written to Union Minister Anurag Tagore on behalf of the National Commission for Women following a controversy over an advertisement for a brand called Layers Shot. Delhi Police has also issued notices to the agencies concerned. Meanwhile, the Center has directed YouTube and Twitter to remove the controversial advertisement from their platforms.
In a letter to Delhi Women’s Commissioner Swati Maliwal Anurag Tagore, she wrote, “This advertisement is clearly promoting sexual violence against women and promoting rapist mentality among men. Advertisements should not be allowed in the media.” Swati also demanded heavy fines against the agencies concerned. Incidentally, two new commercials for Layers Shot perfume and body spray drew sharp criticism on Twitter. Users of the microblogging platform say that the ad promotes rape culture. The only question with the two ads is who approved such hateful content. Meanwhile, the Center has directed YouTube and Twitter to remove the ads.