FKA Twigs Responds After Calvin Klein Ad Gets Banned In United Kingdom

DeMicia Inman
·2 min read
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FKA Twigs responded after her Calvin Klein campaign was banned in the United Kingdom. On Wednesday (Jan. 10), the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) “concluded the ad was irresponsible and likely to cause serious offense” per Variety.

The organization claimed the black and white photograph of the singer “presented her as a stereotypical sexual object.”

According to the outlet, two complaints led to the decision. A similar critique was made toward Kendall Jenner, who was photographed for the same campaign however, the ASA did not arrive at the same decision regarding her styling and pose.

FKA Twigs in silver dress
FKA Twigs at The Fashion Awards 2023, Presented by Pandora held at the Royal Albert Hall on December 4, 2023 in London, England.

The “Cellophane” performer uploaded the controversial image to Instagram, writing a statement in response to the ASA.

“i do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me. i see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine,” wrote the British singer.

“in light of reviewing other campaigns past and current of this nature, i can’t help but feel there are some double standards here. so to be clear…i am proud of my physicality and hold the art i create with my vessel to the standards of women like josephine baker, eartha kitt and grace jones who broke down barriers of what it looks like to be empowered and harness a unique embodied sensuality. thank you to ck and mert and marcus who gave me a space to express myself exactly how i wanted to – i will not have my narrative changed.”

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A post shared by FKA twigs (@fkatwigs)

Calvin Klein also issued a statement regarding the matter in defense of FKA Twigs.

“The images were not vulgar and were of two confident and empowered women who had chosen to identify with the Calvin Klein brand, and the ads contained a progressive and enlightened message,” relayed the fashion brand per The Guardian.

Actress Michaela Coel also shared a positive message backing the Grammy-nominated performer.

“With braids to boot. Leading the shoot. here for it,” wrote Coel on X.

In its ruling, the ASA told Calvin Klein Inc. to “ensure that future ads did not irresponsibly objectify women and were targeted appropriately.”

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