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Ford WPP Silvio Berlusconi

WPP sacks creative team at JWT India behind controversial Ford advert featuring Silvio Berlusconi

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By Stephen Lepitak | -

March 27, 2013 | 2 min read

The advertising team behind the Ford advert that featured an illustration of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and three women tied up in the boot, have been sacked.

The adverts were created for Ford by WPP agency JWT India to promote the Ford Figo, alongside the tagline: ‘Leave your worries behind with Figo's extra-large boot.’

A statement issued by WPP, read: "We deeply regret the publishing of posters that were distasteful and contrary to the standards of professionalism and decency at JWT.

"These were never intended for paid publication, were never requested by our Ford client and should never have been created, let alone uploaded to the Internet.

"These posters were created by individuals within the agency and did not go through the normal review and oversight process.

"After a thorough internal review, we have taken appropriate disciplinary action with those involved, which included the exit of employees at JWT.”

The print adverts was not used by Ford but appeared on website Ads of the World.

Ford WPP Silvio Berlusconi

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