A television advert for perfume giant Chanel featuring Keira Knightley has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority after it was deemed ‘too sexually suggestive’.
The full commercial depicted Knightley in tight leather trousers on a motorbike headed to a photo shoot where she becomes increasingly amorous with her photographer. This sees her bear her shoulders and back on screen before dipping under a duvet, presumably naked.
The prime time commercial was aired during a broadcast of children’s film Ice Age 2, prompting one concerned parent to complain – a position which the prudish watchdog concurred with as it opted to ban subsequent broadcasts around children’s programming.
Chanel took issue with the decree, claiming that its piece was playful and sensual rather than overtly sexual but this was not enough to sway the ASA.
In a statement the ASA said: “We noted that the photographer was directly involved in unzipping the actress’s garments and that there was a suggestion that she was naked aside from a bed sheet.
“We also noted that there was clear sexual tension between the pair and that they appeared about to kiss on the bed. We considered the ad was suitable for older children, but that the sexually suggestive material was unsuitable for young children.”