The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned an M&S online fashion advert after ruling it promoted an 'unhealthily thin' model. The watchdog deemed the image, which appeared on the retailer's mobile app, 'irresponsible' for showing a model with 'slender legs' emphasised by large pointed shoes and camera angles that made her head appear disproportionate.
The ASA stated: 'We considered that the pose of the model and the choice of clothing meant the ad gave the impression that the model was unhealthily thin.' M&S apologised and removed the image, saying its womenswear ranges from size 8 to 24 and it aims to reflect that in advertising. Three other flagged images were not found to breach rules.
Separately, four people have been arrested in connection with cyber attacks on M&S, Co-op, and Harrods. The suspects, aged 17 to 20, were held on suspicion of blackmail, money laundering, and Computer Misuse Act offences. The National Crime Agency's Paul Foster said the arrests are a 'significant step' in the investigation.
The cyber attack over Easter disrupted contactless payments and click and collect orders, forcing M&S to temporarily close its online shop. Customer data including names and addresses was compromised, but payment details were not affected. CEO Stuart Machin confirmed that full online operations, including click and collect and Northern Ireland deliveries, are expected to resume by August.
