This billboard advertisement campaign to promote Hell Pizza came under fierce criticism for linking George Bush with the phrase, ‘evil bastard’. New Zealand’s Advertising Standards Complaints Board found the advertisements offensive. Moreover, Hell Pizza had earlier launched George Bush Campaign in the year 2005 with seven billboards in Auckland and Wellington. But after receiving complaints the company in question immediately pulled down those billboards and watchdog organization never had a chance to intervene.
The ASA however took up the case and held that the term ‘evil bastards’ was offensive since the advertisement is open to all members of society, including children. The Complaints Board ruled that the advertisement, in relation to the use of that phrase, was not prepared with due sense of responsibility.
The campaign used two phrases in relation with George Bush, ‘Hell – Too Good For Some Bastards’ and ‘Even Hell Has Its Standards’.
Via Duncan’s Print
