CNN —H&M has apologized for and removed a school uniform advertisement in Australia after users on social media complained that it sexualized children.
“We have removed this ad,” the Swedish fashion giant told CNN.
Australian writer Melinda Tankard Reist, who says her work addresses sexualization and the harms of pornography, was among the first on social media to oppose the ad.
“What is your intention with this sponsored Facebook ad?” she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Little schoolgirls generally don’t want to ‘turn heads.’ The large numbers I engage with in schools want to be left alone to learn and have fun and not draw unwanted attention to their appearance.”
Persons:
“, ”, Melinda Tankard Reist
Organizations:
CNN
Locations:
Australia, Swedish