By gum: this is most offensive advert ever
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.An attempt to give a whole new meaning to the phrase "dog's breath'' created a commercial that has provoked a record number of complaints.
The advertisement for Wrigley's X-cite chewing gum has attracted 570 complaints to the Independent Television Commission (ITC) since its first broadcast last week. The advert features a man who wakes up on the sofa after what appears to have been a rough night out.
As he retches, a paw comes out of his mouth, followed by a scruffy grey dog. It disappears when he has a piece of gum. An ITC spokeswoman said: "We have been flooded with complaints and the total is rising all the time. Parents have been complaining that their children are scared and some of the adults have said they were actually sick themselves."
The ITC said it was investigating whether the commercial breached advertising guidelines. Wrigley's apologised for the advertisement and moved it to a slot after the 9pm watershed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments