Air New Zealand Withdraws Controversial Cougar Ad After Facing Flak

January 19th, 2010 - 7:34 pm ICT by GD  

By Ranjan Bhaduri
airnz-cougars-2-420x0Jan 19, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Air New Zealand has come under fire after launching a controversial ad that portrays senior women in a derogatory way and allegedly promotes promiscuity in public places. The airline has decided to withdraw the ad following a series of protests from the viewers. The ad shows single age women attempting to seduce single and younger men at bars. It has made both female and male rape victims angry in New Zealand. The ad portrays the acts of older and sexually aggressive women known as cougars. The airlines made the ad to promote a contest for giving free tickets for a rugby tournament.

What has earned the wrath of the viewers is the fact that the elderly lady seduces a young man forcibly despite resistance from his side. Some women have felt that the ad portrays them in a disgraceful way. The ad was put in the Grabaseat discount airfare site of the airline. Duane Perrott, the Grabaseat Manager said that it was not meant to offend anyone’s sensibility. However, the airline has taken note of the resentment of the viewers and the ad would be withdrawn.

The Rape Prevention Education of New Zealand has termed the ad as degrading and appalling. Even some staff of the airlines is offended with the advertisement. The male rape victims have been seriously affected by the promo and feels that it takes a dig at them. The Airline has realized that the advertisement has ruffled the feather of the viewers and it has no other alternative than taking it off air.

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