ASA bans Antonio Federici’s pregnant nun ice cream ad
An ice cream advert has received a cool reception from the Advertising Standards Authority for making a ‘mockery’ of Roman Catholic beliefs.
The ad, which depicts a pregnant nun, has been banned but the ice cream maker, Antonio Federici, has pledged to proceed regardless, erecting posters in London to coincide with the Pope’s visit.
Rather than risk penalty Federici has pledged “a continuation of the theme” for the stunt, in direct defiance of the ASA. This has seen the company secure a number of billboards along the route of the Pope’s visit to Westminster Cathedral.
A spokesperson for the ASA said: “We do not comment on the likely compliance of ads that have not yet appeared” but that their rulings “must be followed and we’re taking steps to ensure Antonio Federici do so.”
Federici claim the ad represents the “conception” of their ice cream whilst satirising the “hypocrisy” of religion by likening appreciation of their tasty desserts to that of religious fervour.
This is not the first time the ice cream firm has got Catholics hot under the dog collar, an earlier ad depicted a priest and nun engaged in a passionate kiss.