In recent days, billboards promoting a woman’s explicit OnlyFans account have caused a stir in London, leading to multiple complaints being lodged with the advertising watchdog. The advertisements, featuring model Eliza Rose Watson in lingerie, have appeared in various locations across the city, including Harrow, Edgware, and Lambeth.
One particular billboard in Harrow became a focal point of criticism after it was spray-painted with the words “keep porn off our streets.” The defacement highlights the growing discontent and concerns surrounding the public display of sexually explicit content.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has confirmed that they are actively reviewing the complaints received regarding these advertisements. The ASA stated that they have already received five complaints from individuals who believe the ads to be inappropriate, especially since they are displayed in untargeted media where children could easily view them. The regulatory body will carefully consider these complaints to determine whether further investigation and action are necessary.
Eliza Rose Watson, the model featured in the adverts, defended the visual content, asserting that it was meticulously planned and executed. She argued that the image depicted merely a torso shot of a 34-year-old woman and claimed it is no more adult-oriented than alcohol advertisements and even less suggestive than lingerie ads commonly found in large shopping centers. Watson further posited that if children or young adults recognize the OnlyFans logo, it is indicative of a wider issue concerning the widespread accessibility of such content online.
Moreover, Watson expressed her concern that restricting the placement of these types of advertisements would perpetuate stigmatization and demonization. She questioned whether shaming and stigmatizing something that is ubiquitous in the digital realm is truly the most effective approach to address the matter at hand.
Public opinion in Harrow varied when asked about the controversial billboards. Some individuals voiced strong reservations, emphasizing the proximity of the advertisements to schools and asserting that they could have a negative influence on impressionable young people. They argued that such explicit content should not be displayed in areas where children and teenagers frequently pass by. Others found the advertisements to be suggestive and distracting, suggesting that they could pose a potential hazard for drivers and pedestrians. Conversely, some respondents expressed indifference, claiming that they would simply overlook the billboards as they have become desensitized to similar imagery in today’s society.
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for Amplify, the billboard company responsible for hosting the adverts in London, affirmed that they strictly adhere to ASA rules and advertising guidelines. They stated that the content displayed on the billboards represents the advertiser’s choices and not those of Amplify. The company believes that the advertisements fall within the regulatory framework set by the ASA.
OnlyFans, the platform on which the promoted account resides, has maintained a neutral stance on the matter. They have declined to comment on individual creator accounts and emphasized that they were not involved in the placement of the contentious advertisement.
As the review by the ASA continues, the outcome will likely shape future discussions surrounding the appropriateness of sexually explicit advertising in public spaces and the need for more stringent regulations to protect vulnerable audiences, particularly children and young adults.
