South Africa Regulator Bans Offensive Wine Advert

South Africa’s advertising regulator has ruled against a wine advert that has been criticised as offensive and “perpetuating rape culture.”

It said the ad depicting a young woman with her mouth open and wine being poured into her mouth was in breach of advertising regulations.

The ad was created by alcohol delivery service Wine Time and appears on the surface of a van.

The Advertising Regulatory Board, ARB, said the complainants says the vehicle branding was highly offensive “as it objectifies and sexualises women for no responsible reason or cause.”

In its decision, the ARB said the ad constituted a negative gender portrayal that is unjustified.

It said the ad did not depict responsible alcohol consumption by volume or pace. Rather, it created an impression that it enhances sexual performance.

“The woman’s pose of supplication while she drinks alcohol is problematic in a country rife with alcohol-abuse and alcohol related gender-based violence” it said.

BBC/Shakirat Sadiq