Harvey Nichols Avoid Punishment Over 'Walk Of Shame' Ad (VIDEO)

'Walk Of Shame' Advert Avoids Censure
|

A controversial advert by department store Harvey Nichols has been cleared by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The 'Walk Of Shame' advert, made for last Christmas' campaigns, depicted women making their way home the morning after a heavy night out, looking bedraggled and worse for wear.

At the end of the advert, which you can watch below, a finely-dressed woman confidently walks into her luxury home, unashamed to acknowledge her postman.

The implication is that those who buy their dresses at Harvey Nichols would feel no shame in their upmarket clothing, prompting complaints that the advert "mocked less wealthy women", was "demeaning to women" and endorsed casual sex.

The ASA received a total of four complaints but found that the advert did not play on negative stereotypes of women.

In its response, the ASA said that Harvey Nichols had tried not to convey a negative portrayal of women, instead their "intention had been to raise a smile by reminding people of a familiar hazard of the Christmas party season – of waking up somewhere unfamiliar the day after a night out and having to embark on the journey home in attire that was less than suitable for the morning rush hour."

The majority of commenters on the video found the video funny, with many suggesting that the advert criticises the ill-fitting clothes the women wear, rather than the women themselves.

"I just listened to the item about this ad on Women's Hour. I really do not understand why this upsets anyone," wrote one commenter, wbell539.

However, another comment, which earned 5 likes said: "Basically, the message i got was don't be chubby or unattractive. otherwise it is a walk of shame. where as if you are a hot model like the final girl, then it is fine."

Do you think the advert is demeaning to women?