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AMERICAS: SPAIN

Dolce & Gabbana Withdraws Ad For Violent Behavior Towards Women
Author: Gerhard W. Volz, Schiller Abogados

DOLCE & GABBANA has withdrawn its advertising campaign, which can be seen below, due to the strong pressure exerted by the Spanish government, specifically by the Women’s Institute at the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs.

According to the Women’s Institute, DOLCE & GABBANA’s polemic campaign shows a scene of violence carried out by several men against a women, which makes said campaign illegal.

This stance must be understood from the perspective of the alarming increase in the number of violent acts committed by men against women in Spain in recent years, which also makes this subject sensitive material in the political terrain.

In general, an attempt is observed by the Women’s Institute to restrict the use of the female body in advertising.  Due to pressure of this government, the Institute of Tourism, a state body, had to withdraw the photo shown below as the Women’s Institute considered it sexist.

In any case, it does not seem that the Institute adopts a unequivocal position in this matter, which may serve the advertising industry as guideline.

Some sectors of Spanish society evaluate what has happened as a step forwards whilst others, in particular the advertising industry, speak of strict conservatism.”