M&S advert banned by watchdog for promoting 'unhealthily thin' model

Daily Record

6 days ago

The fashion advert has been pulled following criticism from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA.)
M&S has come under fire for an online fashion advert. It has since been pulled following criticism from the UK's advertising watchdog.
‌
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed it was "irresponsible" for M&S to utilise the image in question to advertise its clothes on its mobile app, as it showed an "unhealthily thin" model.
‌
Condemning the ad, the ASA advised that the model, wearing slim-fit trousers and a white top, "appeared thin and she wore large pointed shoes which emphasised the slenderness of her legs".
‌
It also observed the camera angles made the model's head appear disproportionate and "highlighted her small frame", reports the Mirror.
The ASA determined: "Therefore, we considered that the pose of the model and the choice of clothing meant the ad gave the impression that the model was unhealthily thin".
Following the prohibition, Marks and Spencer expressed remorse for any distress caused and swiftly removed the image. A representative for the retailer stated: "Our womenswear sizing ranges from size 8 to 24 and we always want to reflect that in our advertising."
‌
They added: "The product images on our website feature models of varying sizes so we can appeal to all our customers, however following the ASA guidance, we have removed this particular image from our website and apologise for any offence caused."
Whilst three additional images were flagged to the ASA by worried shoppers, the authority did not deem these to be in breach, therefore no further action against the high street giant was pursued.
‌
It comes as four individuals have been apprehended by the police in connection with cyber attacks on M&S, Co-op, and Harrods.
The arrests encompass three teenagers – a 17 year old British lad from the West Midlands, a 19 year old Latvian man also from the West Midlands, a 19 year old British chap from London – and a 20 year old British woman from Staffordshire.
‌
The suspects were taken into custody on suspicion of blackmail, money laundering, offences related to the Computer Misuse Act, and involvement in the activities of an organised crime group. All four remain in custody.
Paul Foster, who leads the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, commented: "Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace and the investigation remains one of the agency's highest priorities."
He continued: "Today's arrests are a significant step in that investigation but our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice."
‌
Following the cyber attack, which occurred over the Easter weekend and disrupted contactless payments in stores as well as click and collect orders, M&S had to temporarily close its online shop.
It was subsequently revealed that customer data was compromised, including names, email addresses, physical addresses, and dates of birth; however, card or payment details were not affected.
‌
The head of M&S provided an update last week, stating that the remainder of its online operations should be back up and running by next month. The supermarket began to resume online orders in June, but some services are yet to return to normal.
For instance, customers are still unable to place orders for click and collect or next day delivery. Furthermore, M&S is not currently delivering to Northern Ireland.
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, anticipates these services will be fully operational from August.
Addressing shareholders at the retailer's annual general meeting, he stated: "Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace and the investigation remains one of the Agency's highest priorities."