An advertisement asking 'Are you beach body ready?' that was banned in the UK over body confidence concerns has been on display in New York's Times Square for nearly a month with little controversy. The ad features a slim woman in a yellow bikini alongside the phrase 'the weight loss collection.'
New Yorkers interviewed at the foot of the giant billboard gave mixed reactions. Sherrie Griffith, 18, said the ad made her feel less beach-body ready because of the contrast between her own shape and the model's. Darlene Watler, 50, declared her body ready and said she did not care if others did not want to look at it.
Emelie Nasman, a 28-year-old teacher from Sweden, said such an ad would never be allowed in her country due to likely complaints. Robin McConnell, 62, said it did not bother her as she sees similar ads on television. Mary Dillon, 75, criticised the close-up of the model's bikini bottom as indecent.
Eduardo Brandt, a 28-year-old lawyer, said he was not offended as a man but recognised women might be. The ad, which sparked fury on social media when first released, continues to generate debate about body image and marketing.
