Indian hospital apologises for using Morgan Freeman’s face in skin warning
Kozhikode hospital rebuked for underlying racism in the advertisement
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A local hospital in southern India has apologised to Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman for using his photos in an advertisement for skin treatment.
The Vadakara Cooperative hospital in Kerala’s Kozhikode used 84-year-old Freeman’s photo in the ad promoting its skincare treatment facility. It read: “Get your skin tags, DPNs, warts, milia, molluscum and comedones removed through simple procedures easily in a single visit.”
Once the ad found its way into Indian social media, it led to a furore with many calling it “racist” and “ignorant.”
T Sunil, marketing head of the Kozhikode hospital, told the Indian Express that the advertisement standie was created by a local designer [with Morgan’s photo on it] and that it was installed outside the hospital.
He said: “A dermatologist joined our Out Patient Department (OPD) recently. In order to publicise that there are skin care treatment facilities at the hospital, the board was installed and kept there for four days.”
He added: “A local designer created it. Due to a lack of knowledge and seriousness, the board was carelessly installed in front of the OPD.”
Mr Sunil said that it was only after a person asked why Nelson Mandela’s photo was printed for the ad, that the hospital realised it was a mistake and “removed it on Saturday”.
The person had mistaken Morgan for Nobel Peace laureate Mandela. Morgan has played the character of Mandela in the 2009 Hollywood film Invictus.
The hospital officials said that they have apologised to Freeman. Mr Sunil said: “The ad went viral on social media by Sunday. We extended our apology on Facebook. We understand that Freeman is a great artist, admired by many people across the world. We sincerely say sorry for the lack of knowledge.”
Indian film critic G P Ramachandran wrote on his Facebook page: “Vadakara cooperative hospital has turned out as an insult and disgrace to the great cooperative sector in Kerala. An insult to the racial awareness of Vadakara natives and Keralities’ worldview.”
The hospital was rebuked for the underlying racism in the ad.
Sree Parvathy, an actor from south India, said that she was glad that the ad was removed.
“Happy about it. It is true that his admirers are saddened and distressed over using his photo for skin disease solutions,” she said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments