Russia's gay propaganda law brings Calvin Klein ad under investigation
Russian authorities have launched an investigation into an ad for Calvin Klein fragrance CK2 after it was accused of promoting “homosexuality and paedophilia”.
Regulators in the country, which since 2013 has operated a far-reaching federal ban on “gay propaganda," have taken issue with the campaign which sees two young men disconnect from their respective technologies to lie together, fully clothed on a bed.
Last year it investigated a supposedly homoerotic album cover from U2 in addition to Apple's same sex emoji.
In the next few weeks the Arkhangelsk authorities will consult with internet watchdog Roskomnadzor to decide whether the content, which was viewable on YouTube, signifies a breach of the law.
The 43-second 'How2 Reconnect' ad launched on 4 March.
Calvin Klein chief marketing officer Melisa Goldie last year told The Drum that the brand looks to "dance with controversy, leverage tension, seek simplicity and embrace the culture" in its marketing. This latest entry has certainly achieved that.