FKA Twigs claimed UK banning her Calvin Klein ad was double standard; the government agency responds

The controversy grows when banned Twigs’ ad is compared with a similar yet new Calvin Klein ad featuring Jeremy Allen White—sparking additional claims of sexual objectification.

Published on Jan 13, 2024  |  11:12 PM IST |  131.2K
FKA Twigs and Jeremy Allen White (Calvin Klien Instagram)
FKA Twigs and Jeremy Allen White (Calvin Klien Instagram)

In the dazzling world of fashion and fame, controversies often unfurl like a high-stakes catwalk drama. A recent controversy involving singer FKA Twigs and the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ignited a heated debate. Twigs claimed that the ban on her Calvin Klien ad was a double standard, and the ASA has responded with their side of the story. Let’s dive into the fashion frenzy and explore the clash of perspectives.

The ban saga:


FKA Twigs, known for her boundary-pushing artistry, found herself at the center of a storm when the ASA decided to ban her Calvin Klein ad. The agency cited violations related to objectification and inappropriate targeting, sparking a discourse on freedom of expression and artistic representation.

In a powerful Instagram post, Twigs pushed back against the ASA’s characterization of her as a “stereotypical sexual object.” She emphasized that she sees herself as a “beautiful strong woman of color” and questioned the alleged double standards in the fashion industry. The singer proudly embraced her physicality, drawing parallels with iconic women like Josephine Baker and Grace Jones who redefined empowerment.  

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Find out what ASA said in its defense:


The ASA, not one to back down, defended their decision. They clarified that their role is to assess ads based on rules related to responsibility and offense, irrespective of factors like race or gender. According to them, Twigs’ and broke the rules by focussing more on her body that the advertised clothing, which ultimately led to the ban.

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Now, let's talk about the pictures they're talking about. In Twigs' ad, she had on a denim shirt, showing a bit of her body. But things get interesting when we look at a new Calvin Klein ad with Jeremy Allen White. In Twigs' case, some people said her ad was "revealing." Now, in Jeremy's ad, he's doing some bold things in his underwear, like showing off muscles on a rooftop, and that's making people raise their eyebrows. The people who check these things, called the ASA, got complaints about Jeremy's ads, saying they make him look too sexy. But right now, they're still figuring out what to do about it. It's like a big talk about how different ads get treated.

FKA Twigs’ artistic stand

Twigs remains unwavering in her artistic stance, expressing gratitude to Calvin Klein and the photographers for providing a space for self-expression. She emphasizes her commitment to the standards set by trailblazing women who redefined sensuality. The ban, according to Twigs, will not alter her narrative, as she stands proud of her physicality.

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Calvin Klein, in defense of the banned ad, argues that Twigs' poses were "natural and neutral," carrying a progressive and enlightened message. The brand insists that the images were not vulgar and showcased confident and empowered women identifying with the Calvin Klein brand.

Beyond the specific case, Twigs' ban raises questions about the evolving standards in the fashion industry. As society progresses, the line between artistic expression and perceived offense becomes increasingly blurry. The clash between individuality, artistic freedom, and societal norms continues to shape discussions around advertising and representation.

ALSO READ: 'He dresses like he smells, and I’m like, this is crazy!': Exploring Jordon Emanuel's controversial comments on Leonardo DiCaprio

Why was FKA Twigs' Calvin Klein ad banned?
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned FKA Twigs' Calvin Klein ad, citing violations related to objectification and inappropriate targeting.

What was Twigs' response to the ban?
In a powerful Instagram post, FKA Twigs pushed back against the ASA’s characterization of her as a “stereotypical sexual object.” She emphasized her identity as a “beautiful strong woman of color” and questioned alleged double standards in the fashion industry.

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