Ad agency apologises for email ranking female colleagues

An advertising executive who sent a sexist email ranking female colleagues on their appearance has apologised after it went viral.

Paul Martin sent the inappropriate email on the day he departed advertising firm The&Partnership in London, which included lists entitled "Top Five", "Bottom Five" and "If I'd Had A Few Too Many".

There were several 'reviews' on the email of his female co-workers' attractiveness, including "after seven pints and a bag of pork scratchings" and "after watching this video, I am forever flaccid".

"Please bear in mind that this is based solely on looks and has nothing to do with personality; if it were, there might be some right munters in there and that would defeat the whole point of trying to sexistly objectify people (on International Women's Day, of all days)."

Mr Martin has since apologised for the email after it was leaked on Twitter and gained world-wide criticism.

The apology, which is now pinned to the top of his Twitter profile, claims he was trying to make fun of the "Top five" emails widely regarded as a tradition at advertising agencies.

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"First of all. I take full and sole responsibility for this and sincerely apologise for all offence this has caused," he said.

"This absolutely wasn't my intention and I am incredibly sorry.

"Sending these 'Top Five' emails has become common practice at many ad agencies, and by sending that email yesterday, I have contributed to the culture of toxic masculinity."

He said the women in the email were "friends" and that he checked with them before sending.

"The email was meant to be a stupid, ironic attempt to subvert and mock the sexist 'Top Five' emails that have been sent around agencies for many years, but I have totally missed the mark and take full responsibility.

"But saying that this was completely misjudged doesn't even begin to cover it. This behaviour is never something to joke about and I'm incredibly sorry for my unforgivable naivety and being further complicit in contributing to an outdated and oppressive culture for women."

A spokesperson for the firm also issued a statement.

“We have apologised to our staff and others for any offence this email has caused, and have made it clear to all employees we will not tolerate emails of this kind being sent," a The&Partnership spokeswoman said

"We do not allow sexism of any kind at The&Partnership."