Controversial TV Adverts

A television advert for Angelina Jolie's action film Wanted can't be shown again after The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled it could be seen as glamorising violence.

During the advert, Angelina was shown firing a bullet towards the viewer for Wanted's DVD release. It had been restricted from being shown at times when young children were likely to be watching but the ASA concluded that was "insufficient".

The ruling said the advert "was also inappropriate to be seen by older children because it could be seen to condone violence by glorifying or glamorising the use of guns". The ASA received just one objection about the advert.

Complaints to Ofcom and/or the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) about commercials perceived to be offensive shows no sign of slowing down. Consumers are not hesitating to voice their opinions.

Irrespective of how the advert is accessed (TV, radio, print, direct mail, posters, the Internet and increasingly, text messaging), there are standards and rules of compliance to follow.

The difficulty advertisers may face is getting their message across without offending too many people. Wanted is just one controversial TV advert featured in our gallery, alongside the likes of KFC, MFI and Trident Chewing Gum.