Virgin Mobile US pulls "ill-judged" ad after complaints it joked about rape
Virgin Mobile US has pulled an advert which featured the caption "The gift of Christmas surprise. Necklace? Or chloroform?" after complaints that it suggested rape was something to joke about.
Everyday Sexism picked up on the ad on the American site, and tweeted ‘Please tweet @richardbranson @virgimobileus if you think using rape/domestic violence jokes to sell products isn't ok’ along with a link to the picture.
Yesterday, Richard Branson posted this message: “Having just seen, for the first time, the Virgin Mobile US advert which has upset many today, I agree it is ill-judged.
“Although I don't own the company, it carries our brand. I will speak to the team there, make my thoughts clear and see what can be done about it.
“Virgin Mobile US usually get these things right, although on this occasion it is clear they have gone too far.
“Update: Having spoken with them just now they acknowledge a dreadful mistake was made. The advert, along with the whole calendar, has been removed, never to be seen again.”
A spokeswoman for Virgin Mobile USA added: "This image was not approved by Virgin Mobile USA. We apologise deeply to anyone who has been offended by this posting. It was removed early this morning."