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Demi Lovato's bondage poster banned for being offensive to Christians

demi lovato poster banned for being offensive to christians
Demi's bondage poster banned for being offensiveDimitrios Kambouris - Getty Images

A poster promoting Demi Lovato's latest album has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after a string of complaints.

The album artwork (see photo here) saw Demi wearing a bondage-style outfit as they lay on a crucifix-shaped bed, whilst the album title – HOLY FVCK – alluded to a swear word. Upon release of the promotional material, the ASA said it had received complaints relating to the "image of Ms Lovato bound up in a bondage-style outfit whilst lying on a mattress shaped like a crucifix".

Together with the album title, the ASA deemed that the poster was "likely to be viewed as linking sexuality to the sacred symbol of the crucifix and the crucifixion" and, as such, was likely to "cause serious offence to Christians."

"We therefore concluded the ad breached the Code," the ASA ruled.

In response, Polydor Records said it was artwork designed to promote the album and did not believe it to be offensive. The poster was removed after four days.

demi lovato poster banned for being offensive to christians
Dimitrios Kambouris - Getty Images

The album, released last year, documents Demi's journey with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as mental health issues, treatment and recovery. They wrote the album after a voluntary stint in rehab in December 2021, telling the BBC: "I'm not playing pop music anymore. This is a rock album."

For information, support and advice about mental health and where to get support, visit Mind’s website at www.mind.org.uk or call Mind’s Infoline on 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm).


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