Crown Paints may be investigated by the advertising watchdog after hundreds of viewers complained that it was’sexist’ and ‘offensive’ to’suggest a woman tricked a guy into having a kid’ – as MailOnline reports the firm would not delete the ad.
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) said that it is “carefully evaluating complaints” over an advertisement that included the ‘tongue-in-cheek’ rhyme, “Hannah’s praying for a girl, Dave’s simply hoping it’s his.”
A spokeswoman for the watchdog emphasized that it is not investigating the tape at this time and said that the majority of complaints centered on whether the material was suitable for broadcast.
It has been revealed by MailOnline that Lancashire-based Crown Paints has no plans to delete the advertisement, instead stating that individuals have “different opinions on humor” and apologizing to anybody who may have been upset.
Crown Paints said in a statement that the advertisement was “broadly well welcomed” and meant to be “a funny celebration of memorable life experiences that motivate people to paint their houses.”
Jenny Eclair, a comedian, said, “I’m watching the Crown paint ‘baby coming’ advertisement, and I can’t be the only one who finds it absurd:’she’s hoping for a girl, he’s hoping it’s his.’ I find this quite disrespectful…”
One Twitter user said, “The Crown paint advertisement is one of the worst advertisements ever.”
While another user posted, “Anyone else ready to murder their TV when the Crown paint commercial comes on?”
The advertisement is one of a series of sing-along advertisements broadcast on the paint brand’s social media sites, in which a chorus of singers relate varied ‘life experiences.’
It follows the tale of a couple named Hannah and Dave who meet at a party and get involved; Dave desires a child while Hannah is uncertain.
When Hannah really becomes pregnant, a male singer sings to the camera, “Hannah’s praying for a daughter, Dave’s simply hoping it’s his”
The advertisement generated internet outrage. Tara tweeted, “Dave thinks that it’s his? Are we still living in the 1970s? Disgusting. And nauseatingly cutesy.
Also, is a woman not permitted to determine whether to have children? Nobody should be coerced into having children. Your marketing team is a farce. Jenny Scott tweeted, “Very poor advertisement.” Constantly, women who do not want children are persuaded they will change their views. This advertisement just exploits this fallacy.’
Sonja Evans remarked, “Absolutely awful advertisement using Hannah as a lady who engages in extramarital affairs.”
Alex Lacey tweeted, “Excuse me, but Dave just hopes it’s his? What were you really thinking? This is an outrage.
What the heck is that?!? tweeted Nicola Piper.
Caroline Parsons said on Facebook, “This is so demeaning to women… This advertisement was written by a complete moron. He’s expecting a child and hopes it’s his. I seldom get irritated, but come on… Illegal raves portray women as skanks.’
Maddi Newton remarked, “Really irritated by this advertisement! Insinuating that women don’t know their own thoughts and demeaning childless women once more… Not to include the phrase “Dave just hopes it’s his.” Awful.’
Susan Pugh stated, “It’s not simply paint; it’s also sexist and a c*** advertisement.”
Crown Paints responded to part of the criticism by writing, “We regret that you feel this way.” Hannah is a strong female character who is confident in making her own choices and in charge if she changes her mind.
We just wanted to share the narrative of one of life’s most meaningful moments in a humorous manner.