News
Adam Sherwin
Feb 23, 2016
Controversial adverts from the NHS and British Heart Foundation were among most complained about commercials of 2015.
Their inclusion on the list has raised concerns that health organisations are relying on distressing messages to shock the public.
The most complained-about advert of the year, however, was MoneySupermarket.com's "epic strut" film of a man walking down a street and dancing while wearing denim shorts and high-heeled shoes.
More than 1,500 viewers complained, saying the man's clothing and dance moves were "overtly sexual". Again, the complaints were not upheld.
The top ten most complained about were as follows:
Warning: Contains content that is bloody, contains swearing and may be offensive or disturbing for obvious reasons.
10. Omega Pharma Ltd
136 complaints (upheld)
The Advertising Standards Authority said:
We banned the ad because it presented an irresponsible approach to body image and confidence.
9. Nicocigs Ltd
145 complaints (not upheld)
Advert could not be found.
8. Department of Health
181 complaints (not upheld)
7. Booking.com BV
201 complaints (not upheld)
6. British Heart Foundation
219 complaints (not upheld)
5. Protein World Ltd
380 complaints (not upheld)
4. Booking.com BV
407 complaints (not upheld)
3. Paypal (UK) Ltd
464 complaints (not upheld)
2. Booking.com BV
683 complaints (not upheld, carried over from 2015 ruling)
1. Moneysupermarket.com Ltd
1,513 complaints (not upheld)
More:People are photoshopping those terrible Match.com Tube adverts
Top 100
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